
Class 
Book 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



PRICE, 50 CENTS. 

North tonawanda 



-AND- 



Tonawanda, 



LOCATED IN 



<< NIAC-IRA AND ERIE COUNTIES, NEW YORK. I> 



-THE- 



"LUMBER CITY" 



ITS ADVANTAGES AND SURROUNDINGS PLAINLY POUT rA^ ED FROM 

A MATTER OF FACT STANDPOINT. PROFESSIONAL AND 

PUBLIC MEN, SOCIETIES, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, 

RAILROADS, WATERWAYS, MANUFAC- 

\TURING AND MERCANTILE 

INTERESTS. 

ALSO AN 

EPITOME OF VALUABLE STATISTICS 
GENERAL INFORMATION. 



TONAWANDA, N.Y.: 

Herald Pkinting House. 

Oct., 1891. 



The sender of (his Pamphlet calls your Attention to Pages 88 <£-_ 



[COFTBiaHTBD 1891, BT D. T. ROBBINS, BRU, FA.] 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Addition of States - - 2 

A ntidotes to Poisons - 8 

Attorneys, Etc. - - 51-3 

Additions & Recent Matters 95 

Biography of Presidents, Etc 4-7 

Burns and Scalds - 8 

lioats, Tugs, Etc. - - 28-9 

Banks - - - 33-5 

Bridges, Sewers, Etc. - 54-5 

Building and Loan Compn's 56 

Bluflf Point . . 59 

Boat Builders - - 70 

Brick Yard - - 69 

Brewery . - - 68 

Cai)itol at Albany - 8 

Canada, Statistics - - 3 

Chronology of the World 1-2 

Cuba, Island of - - 3 

Churches - - 40-5 

City Waterworks - - 55 

Carriages and Wagons - 66-7, 71 

Coal, Wood, Etc. - - 87-8 

Decisive Battles - 3 

Dry Goods & Fancy Goods 90 

Drugs, Books, Etc. - 92 

Early Settlement - - 12-13 

Erie Canal - - 13 

Flour & Feed Mills, Etc - 65-6 

Great Britain - - 3 

Gas and Electric Lights - 53-4 

Gratwiek - - 58 

Groceries and Provisions - 93 

Homes, Streets, Etc. - 23-4 

Hotels - - - 85-6 

Hardware, Paints, Etc - 92-3 

Introductory - - 9 

Ironton Addition - 56 

Iron Manufacturing - 63-4,71-81 

Insurance - - 86-7 

Lumber Interests - - 26-8,71-81 

Mexico - - - 3 

Mason and Dixon's Line - 7 

Modern City - - 23 

Manufacturing - - 25,62-81 



Martinsville & Sa'wyer's 
Mercantile Interests 
Millinery, Machines, Etc. 
Merch. Tailor'g & Furnish'gs 
N. Y. & Brooklyn Bridge - 
Niargara River 
Niagara Water Power 
Newspapers 

North Tonawanda Land Co. 
Old Residents 
Oliver Street Land Co 
Omissions Corrections, Etc 
Population of Cities 
Paint Colors 
Predictions of future 
Past History 
Past Supervisors 
Past Village Presidents - 
Physicians ... 
Public Benefits 
Payne's Addition 
Railroads 
Riverside 

Real Estate Agencies 
Standing Armies 
Suspension Bridge 
Secret Societies 
Schools - . - 

Sweeney Interests 
Sour Spring Grove 
Summary and Review 
Shoes, Furnishings, Etc. 
The Civil War 
Telegraphs and Telephones 
Tonawanda Spring Co 
Tonawanda Heights Land Co 
The Hensler Place 
Tents, Awnings, Etc. 
Tobacco, Liquors, Etc. 
Town Supervisors 
Villages incorporated 
Weather Signals 
War of 1812 - 
Waterworks Factory 



60 

90 

90 

90-1 

7 

15 

16 

18-19 

57 

20 

83 

96 

3 

S 

l(t 

1] 

11 

21-S 

48 5(1 

53 

5f 

29-31 

59^ 

84 

7 

S 

35-40. 

45-7, 9, 

88-1 

9: 



V* Uqt\\ T^snawanda Busines6 Men'6 AsssGiatlQn. 

Recognizing the power of united efforts, fiifty or more of the public -spirited 
merchants, manufacturers and leading business men of North Tonawanda, i 
May, 1888, organized the above Association. It has done effective work in the in' 
terests of the place and is still desirous to labor for the general good of the city 
Its officers have examined the proof pages of the following sketch and find them 
essentially correct in all particulars. Manufacturers or business men desiring to 
locate in a prosperous city are requested to correspond with this Association. 

Its officers are: Franklin Warren, president; H. M. Stocum, secretary; B. 
L. Rand, treasurer, and Edward Evans, G. C. Herschell, J. E. Oelkers, J. S. 
Thompson and Geo. P. Smith, vice presidents. 



AN KPITOMK OK 

VALUABLE STATISTICS 



AND 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 



IXTKODUCTORY. 

er to make this pamphlet of value to every 

■ho receives it, we incorporate in this de- 

t many facts and dates which have required 

or and expense to prepare. These dates are 

, ble that no one can afford to destroy them 

i;e the book will be preserved with absolute 

,' whether the remaining pages are of in- 

the reader or not. This book will be con- 

for reference and containing so many 

ng facts and dates will be preserved in 

I -ry for months and years, thus making it 

rom a business standpoint, a circulation of 

• Imes as great a number of new spapers. 

THE WORLD IN A NUT SHELL. 

CHRONOLOGICAL DATES. 

^^<^ i-lstory of the world up to the time of the del- 
uge and for many years afterwards is only to be 
found in the brief narrative given in the sacred 
writings, although the Chinese claim to have records 
dating back to a period long before, "Adam waa 
born." 

THE HEBREWS. 

Deluge B. C. 2350; Abraham called 1921; Joseph 
in Et'vpt, 1725; Birth ot Moses, 1571; Hebrews left 
Egypt, 1491; death of Moses, 1151; Deborah Judge of 
Israel, 1385; Gideon slaughtered Midianites 1?45; 
Jeptha, Judge, 1288; Eli, Judge, 1256; Sampson, 1237; 
Samuel, 122U; Saul King, 1195; David King, 1155; 
Solomon King, 1115; Temple dedicated 1104; Solo- 
mon died 1075; division of Israel 1(08; Elijah and 
Elisha prophets, 8S8; Jerusalem taken by Jehoash 
820; Hezekiah and Isaiah in Judah 726; Jeremiah 
prophet 641; Jerusalem taken by Nebuchadnezzar, 
606; Jerusalem destroyed, 588. 

EGYPT. 

Little or nothing is known of the history of Egypt 
prior to the time of Joseph. At that time however, 
it was one of the most powerful nations of the world. 
The dynasty of the Pharohs, B. C, 1300; Pyramids 
built by Cheops, 1082; Shishak ruler, 978, Judea 
conquered and the temple plundered by him 971; 
'Egypt devastated by Isebuchadnezzar, 572; end of 
the first Egyptian monarchy 525 and for over 200 
years it was in obscurity, but revived again by the 
Ptolemys about three centuries before Christ. "Cleo- 
I'atra lived B. C. 45 pnd Egypt was again subdued B. 



subdued by Uurius, B. C. 508; Philip II uowned 



359: Alexander in Macedon 336; invaded Persia 334: 
battle of Arabela331; Alexander died at Babylon of 
strong drink, aged 32, B. C. 324. 

GREECE. 

By valor and refinement, Greece became the next 
nation in importance. Troy was taken B.C. 1184. 
lonians settled in Asia 1043; Homer the poet, wrote 
about 888; first Olymphian period from which the 
Greeks reckon time, 776; Code of Draco 624; Solon, 
Athenian law-giver 594; Socrates 429; war with 
Macedon 338; Kepublic reestablished 297; Corinth 
taken 146. 

ROME, 

founded by Romulus B. C. 753; Tarquin the elder, 616; 
Tarquin the proud, 534; Brutus 510; Cincinnatus dic- 
tator 456; great famine 440; invadedby the Gauls .391; 
first Punic war 265; second Punic war 218; third war 
149; Carthage destroyed 146; Cicero 63; Csesar in- 
vades Britian 55; dictator 45; Csesar assassinated 
44; Augustus emperor, 30. Christian Era. — The 
bloody Nero A. D., 54; Jerusalem destroyed by 
Titus 70 rebuilt 137; Persian war 231; persecution of 
Christians 236; Constantino emperor 323; Council at 
Nice, when the books of the New Testament were 
voted in, 325; Romans driven from Spain 409; with- 
drew from Britian 419; battle of Chalons 451; Odo- 
acer king of Heruli; puts an end to the Roman 
empire. 

MEDES <t PERSIANS. 

Darius, king B. C. 521; second Temple dedicated 
515; Darius invades Greece 491; Artaxerxes I 464; 
Esther queen 456; Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem 455; 
conquered and claimed b; the Macedons 435. 

EASTERN EMPIRE, ETC. 

A. D. 447, Attilla king of Huns exacts tribute 
from Theodosius II; ravaged by Persians 502; Justi- 
nian code 529; Mohamed preaching 612; Persians lake 
Syria 614; the Hegira 622; Saracens besiege Constan- 
tinople 673-9; their second siege of Coustantino]ile 
718; Michael II, 820; John Zimisces 969; Turks take 
Jerusalem 1065; Crusaders take Antioch 1098, and 
Jerusalem 1099, and Acre 1104; Venice in her glory 
1125; Latin emporers 1204; Empire recovered by 
Greeks 1261; Turkish Empire, Ossman I, 1299; Sup- 
pression of Knights Templars 1311; general pes- 
tilence 1348; Empire excepting Constantinople taken 
by the Turks 1391: Union of Denmark, Sweeden and 
Norway 1397; invention of printing 1440; Constanti- 
nople captured by Turks and end of Empire 1453; 
Ferdinand and Isabella in Spain 1474; Columbus 
discovered America 1492. 

FRANCE. 

Clovis makes Paris his capital A. D. 507; Clovis II 
king of France 656; Cadwaliader last king of Britons 
678; Charles Martel duke of France 714; battle oi 



DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 



Tours 732; uanes in England 787; Charlemagne cm- 
porer of the west 800; Charles the Bald in France 
840; RoUo the Norman 912; Hugh Capet 987; Henry I 
1031; Philip 1 1060; tirst crusade 1096; war with Eng- 
land 1098; Louis the Fat 1108; Louis VII 1137; Philip 
11 1180; Louis IX (St. Louis) 1226; Louis X 1314; 
House of Valois 1328; Charles V 1364; Joan of Arc 
enters Orleans 1428; France ridden of English 1451; 
French take Milan 1491; Hugenot war 1560; massa- 
cre of St. Bartholomew 1572; House of Bourbon 1589; 
Cardinal Richelieu 1024; invasion of Holland 1672; 
Louis XV 1715; France aids America 1778; revolu- 
tion 1790; republic 1792; Napoleon consul 1799; Em- 
porer 1804; campaign in Russia 1812; fall of Na- 
poleon 1815; conquest of Algiers 1830; Louis Napol- 
eon president, 1848; Napoleon III emperor 1852; 
French in Mexico 1863; war with Prussia 1870; Re- 
public; 1871 Thiers president, Jules Urevy president 
1879; occupation of Anam and trouble with China 
1883. 

ITALY AND COTEMPORARY. 

Lombards take Italy A. D. 596; defeat Constans II 
662; and conquered by Charlemagne 774; the Cru- 
sades 1090 to 1,300; wars of Charles V in Italy 1527: 
capture of Rome 1527; order of Jesuits founded 
1535; calendar remodeled by pope Gregory XII 1582; 
Peter Great in Russia 1689; Frederick II in Prussia 
1740; French in Spain 1808; Moscow burned 1812; 
Greece independent 1827; siege of Sebastopol 1854; 
Victor Emanuel King of Italy 1861; revolution in 
Spain 1808; Russia-Turkish war 1877; Humbert King 
of It;UvlS79; assassination of Alexander II of Kus- 
sia 1881; Alexander III crowned 1883. 

GERMANY. 

House of France 814; Henry I defeats the danes 
934; war with the Saracens 1073; Frederick I invades 
Italy 1154; destroys Milan 1162; House of Hapsburg 
1273; revolt of Swiss and AVm. Tell 1307; House ol 
Luxemberg 1349; John Huss burned by Sigismond 
1415; House of Austria 1438; Maximilian I 1493; ref- 
ormation by Luther 1517; Maximalian II 1564; bat- 
tle of Prague 1620; Leopold I 1659; House of Lor- 
raine 1745. 

PRUSSIA. 

Takes Hanover 1801; war with France 1813; Ger- 
man Confederation 1815; war with Uenmark 1864, 
and Austria 1866, invasion of France 1870, William 
made emperor 1871 and died 1888, succeded by Fred- 
erick, March 13 1888. 

AUSTRIA. 

An empire 1800, war with France 1813, ■with Hun- 
gary 1848, with France and Italy 1859, withdrawal 
Irom the confederation 1870, international exhibi- 
tion at Vienna 1873, agreement with Germany on 
Eastern question 1880. 

ENGLAND. 

Anglo Saxon Kings 825, Egbert 828, Alfred the 
great 871, ravages of Scotland 933, Danish Kings 
lOlti, Saxons restored 1041, English language origin- 
ates from the Saxon, Danish, British, Welsh, Nor- 
man, Latin, French and Greek A. D. lOOO to 1500, 
Norman Dynasty 1066, conquest of Ireland 1171, con- 
quest of Wales 1282, battle of Bannockburn 1314, 
House of Lancaster 1399, war with France 1413, 
House of York 1461, House of Tudor 1485, battle of 
Fludden 1513, Ann Boleyu beheaded 1536 and Mary 
of Scotls 1587, House of Stuart 1603, Oliver Cromwell 
1649, Stuarts restored 1660, great London lire 1666, 
battle of the Boyne 1690 House of Hanover 1714, 
war with Spain 1739, with France 1756, war with 
colonies 1775, Union with Ireland 1801, war with U. 
S. 1812, battle of W^aterloo 1815, Victoria crowned 
queen 1837, Crimean war 1854, Atlantic cable laid 
1866, Fenian trouble 1867, Zulu war 1879, laiuine in 
Ireland 1880, war with Egypt 1882, G ladstone's bill 
or relief of Ireland 1887. 



AMESICA, 07B EOUE. 

Discovered by Norsemen A D 980, Iceland settled 
986, Lief visited Newfoundland and Massachusetts 
1001, discovered by Columbus 1492, Florida entered 
by Ponce de Leon 1512, Balboa discoveres the Pacific 
1513, Cortez in Mexico 1519, Pizarro in Peru 1532, 
DeSoto in Florida and Louisiana 1541, St. Augustine 
founded 1565 Jamestown, Va., 1607, Quebec 1608, 
New York 1614, Plymouth Rock 1620, Sweedes ia 
Delaware 1627, Maryland settled 1634. Connecticut 
1635, New Jersev and North Corolina 1664, South 
Carolina 1670, Pennsylvania 1682, Georgia by Ogle- 
thorpe 1733, New Hampshire 1741, Quebec taken 
1759, Canada ceeded to England by the French '61, 
Revolutionary war '75 Declaration of Indepen- 
dence July 4th 1776; surrender of Cornwallis '81, 
treaty of peace '83, constitution adopted '87, Wasli- 
ington made president, '89, Louisiana ceeded to U.S. 
1803, war with England 1812, Florida ceeded '20, 
Buenos Ayres independent '16, Mexico '21, Texas 
'36, anucxed '45, war with Mexico '46, civil war '61, 
Maximilian emperor '64, U. S. buys Alaska '67, war 
in Cuba '71, Chili-Peru war '81, Mexico building 
railroad '82. 

ADDITION OF STATES. 

Vermont admitted 1791, Kentucky 1792, Tennessee 
1796, Ohio 1802, Louisiana admitted '12, Indiana ad- 
mitted '16, Mississippi '17 Illinois '18, Alabama '19, 
Maine '20, Missouri '21, Arkansas '36, Michigan '37, 
Texas annexed '45, Florida admitted '45, Iowa '46, 
New Mexico and California purchased '48, Wiscon- 
sin admitted '48, California '50, Minnesota '5S, Ore- 
gon '59, Kansas '61, West Virginia '6?, Nevada '64, 
Nebraska '67, Southern States re-admitted '6s, Colo- 
rado '76. With the exception of the years 1821 to 
'36 the United States has never before in her history 
of a century been so long without admitting a new 
State. North and South Dakota, Wyoming and 
Washington were admitted in 1889. " Idaho aiid 
Montana in 1890. 

INTERNAL AND FOREIGN. 

Wayne's victory at Maumee 1794, Jay's treaty '95, 
with France '97, Government removed from Phila- 
delphia to Washington, D. C, '99, irial of Aaron 
Burr for Conspiracy 1807, Perry's victory Sept. 10, 
'13, Washington burned '14, battle of New Orleans 
'15, Missouri compromise '20, Lafayette's visit '24, 
John Adams and Thomas Jetferson, 2d and third 
presidents died July 4 '26, protective tarift' ViiU 
pa.ssed '28, treaty with Turkey '30, Blackhawk war 
'32, Seminole war '35, financial crisis '37, veto of 
bank bill '41, gold in California '48, Taylor died July 
9th, '50, Kansas trouble '55, tieaty with Japan '54, 
Mormon insurrection, Dred-Scot decision '57, John 
Brown's insurrection '59, South Carolina seceded 
Dec. 20 '60, Miss., Ala., Fla., Ga., La., Tex. Va., Ark., 
Tenn. and North Carolina follow and Jetferson Da- 
vis elected president of the Southern Confederacy 
'61, bombardment of Fort Sumter and battle of Bull 
Run '61, Antietum, Ft. Donaldson, Pea Ridge, Shi- 
loh, 2d Bull Run, Corinth, Fredericksburg, '62, 
Emancipation Proclamation Jan. 1, '63, battles of 
Chancellorville, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, '63, Wilder- 
ness, Petersburg and Sherman's March to the Sea, 
'64, battle of Five Forks, surrender of Lee, Johnson 
and Kirby Smith and end of war '65, impeachment 
and acquittal of President Johnson '6S, Fitteeuth 
Amendment 70, great lire in Chicago '71, Modoc war 
'73, Custer massacre and Centennial Exposition '76, 
great railroad riots '77, resumption of specie pay- 
ment '79, treaty with China '81, general strike of 
telegraph operators '83, World's Exposition New 
Orleans '.s4-o, great flood of the Ohio Feb. '84, 
eartliquakeat Charleston, '86, great railroad disaster 
:it Chatsiviirlli, Illinois, over lUO persons killed 'ST. 
Ex-Senator Conklin and Clflef Justice Waitedied'8S. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 



CAITACA, 07B 170STEES1T KEIQEBOS. 

The'goverumeut of Canada is subject to the Brit- 
tish crown but is semi-independent, its history dat- 
ing back to the sixteenth century. Jacques Cartier; 
a French sea captain planted his standard on the 
shores of New Brunswick in 1534 and claimed it 
for France. Later he discovered the river St. Law- 
rence. General Wolfe's forces captured Quebec in 
1759 and the entire country was claimed for the 
British. During the Revolutionary struggle for in- 
dejjeudence the Canadian settlements remained true 
to the king and after and during the war many tor- 
ies fled from the colonies to Upper Canada, now 
called Ontario, while the eastern province is known 
as Quebec, or Lower Canada. 

Canada proper covers :>75,000 square miles and has 
a population of about 3,750,000 inhabitants while the 
remainder of the Brittish Possessions in North 
America covers an area ten times as great and has 
only about one-third as many inhabitants. In 1S25 
Ontario had a population of 158,027; '52, 952,004 and 
in '86 about two millions. The Canadian Pacilic 
railroad now more than half completed, will open to 
settlement an immense tract of country and be the 
fourth iron highway across the continent. The 
<;^ntral Pacific completed in 1868 having made the 
first through connection from the Atlantic to the 
Pacific ocean. Canada pro]>er is the most fertile and 
salubrious in the British American territory; even 
the frigid regions of the Northwest Territory and 
Manitoba are gaining in population. Winnepeg the 
capital city of the latter country is rapidly rising to 
prominence. The summer seasons although short 
are warm and the growth of vegetation marvelous. 

MEZICO, OUB SOUTHEEIT BOBDEB. 

The history of Mexico up to the time of its con- 
quest by Cortez is almost unknown. When DeCor- 
dova discovered the country in 1517 he found the 
Aztecs Nation in possession of the laud. These 
people were far in advance of the aboriginals who 
occupied the territory now belonging to the U S. 
They had a monarchial government, cities and agri- 
cultural lands, were versed in astronomy and the 
working of metals, pottery, etc., yet had nothing 
but tradition as to their ancestry or origin. Some 
writers consider them of the highest type of Indian 
civilization while others believe them to have de- 
scended from a ditlerent source. Their habits and 
manners make it reasonable to infer that they were 
contemporaries with, and perhaps the same race 
as the Moundbuilders of the Ohio Valley, who.se 
tumuli still remain as mouunieutsto theirskill and 
devotion. Jlontezuma was monarch of the Aztecs 
wlien the country was taken by Fernando Cortez 
1519-21 and thenceforth for nearly 300 years Mexico 
was under Spanish rule. The revolution of 1810 by 
the natives was a most bloody scene and resulted in 
the destruction of thousands of lives. Don Augus- 
'in Iturbide a native Mexican Spaniard ten years 
later led a successful revolt and the Independence of 
Mexico was established in 1821. Since then the 
government has had numerous changes but is at 
present essentially like the U. S. in form. 

Mexico covers an area of 741,589 square miles and 
has a i^opulation of about ten millions of inhabit- 
ants. Its table lands are salubrious and fertile and 
with two through railroad lines from Texas, this 
«asy going republic will doubtless fall into the rapid 
march of enterprise and refinement. 

CUBA, OUB ISLAND ITEIGHBOB, 

The greatest of Spain's colonial possesions was 
<liscovered by Columbus in 1492, and in 1511 Velas- 
quez conquered the natives. Havana was founded 
1519. Cuba has been more prosperous since the ad- 
vent of Las Cassas as governor-general in 1790 but 
has had numerous bickerings and revolts. A seri- 
ous revolt occurred in 1S6S, which caused the sacri- 
fice of 56,000 Cuban soldiers and cost tiie Spanish 



government more than twenty millions of dollars 
to quell. It is still tributary 'to Spain but groans 
under the yoke and longs for annexation to the U. S., 
from which it is separated by less than 100 miles of 
ocean. 

The limit of these pages will not permit of giving 
detailed facts regarding Central and South America; 
but our relations with the mother country are so 
intimate that we shall appropriate some space to her 
consideration next. 

QEEAT BEITIAN, OUB MOTHES OOUOTBT. 
The histriry of Great Britian properly commences 
with the conquests of Ciesar B C 55. The Roman 
rule lasted till 420 A D. The Scots, Hunns, Danes 
and other tribes ravaged the country and internal 
dissensions continued until the establishment of the 
Norman line A D 1066. The first parliament was con- 
vened in 1265 and thirty years later a session of 
commons was added, these being a concession wrung 
from the Kings by the Barons. King Charles at- 
tempted to dispense with parliament, but was over- 
thrown by Oliver Cromwell in 1645. The Habeas 
Corpus Act was passed in 1679 on the return of the 
Stuarts to the throne. The government is a constitu- 
tional monarchy, the executive power being vested 
in the sovereign and the legislative in parliment. 
The area of Great Britian including Ireland covers 
121,571 square miles and has about 36,000,000 peo- 
ple. The entire British Possession covers an 
area of 7,788,347 square miles and having a popula- 
tion of over 300,000,000 of inhabitants, or about one- 
fourth of humanity. Other European countries de- 
serve a separate mention but we must refer the read- 
er to more exhaustive history. 

EIGHTEEIT DECISIVE BATTLES 
In the World's History. 

'■■Marathon by MiltaoclesBC490, Athenians — Per- 
sians. 

Syracuse by GlippusBC 414, Syracusans— Spartans. 

Arbela by Alexander BC 331, Greeks — Persians. 

Metaurus by Nero, B C 207, Komans — Carthagin- 
ians. 

Winfeldlippe by Arminius A D 9, Germans — 
Romans. 

Chalons by Aetius, 451, Romans, etc — Hunns. 

Tours by Charles Martel, 732, Frank.s — Saracens. 

Hastings by William, 1066, Normans — Anglo- 
Saxons. 

Orleans by Joan of Arc, 1429, French — English. 

Armada by Effingham, 1588, English and Dutch — 
Spaniards. 

Bleuhein by Marlborough, 1704, English and Aiist. 
— French and Bavarians. 

Valmy by Kellerman, 1792, France — Allied Power. 

Pultowa by Peter Great 1709, Russia— Sweeden. 

Saratoga by Gates, 1777, Americans — English. 

AVaterloo by Wellington and Blucher 1815, English 
and Prussian — French. 

Sedan '70, Prussians — French. 

Sebastopol '54-5, Eng, French, Turks — Russia. 

Gettysburg by Meade, '63, Union — Confederacy. 

— '■'Names of places appear first, prominent gener- 
al next, date, victorious army, defeated forces last. 

Population and Debt of Cities of the United 
States. 

Name of Place Population Debt For each 

JNameoi±-iace. Census 1880. 1880. person. 

Akron Ohio 16,511 $ 17,619 8 1 06 

Albany New York 90,003 3,1.3S,.500 34 .52 

Alleghany Pennsyl'na 78,681 1,596,429 20 29 

Allentown do 18,063 430,443 23 83 

Alexandria Virginia... 13,658 1,037,088 75 92 

AltoonaPennnsylvana 19,716 368,830 18 70 

Atchison Kansas » 15,106 449,6S7 29 76 

Atlanta Georgia 34,398 2,180,000 63 38 

Auliurn New Voik 22,924 530,000 12 32 

Aujjusta Georgia 23,023 1,961,319 Is 58 



DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 



Austin, Texas 10,960 

Baltimore, Maryland.. 332,190 

Bangor, Maine 16,827 

Bay City, Michigan... 20,693 

Binghamton, N. Y.... 17,315 

Bloomington, III 171184 

Boston, Massachusetts, 362,535 

Bridgeport, Conn 29,145 

Brooklyn, N. Y 566,689 

Buffalo, N.Y 155,137 

Burlington, Iowa i9>4So 

Cambridge, Mass 52,740 

Camden, N.J 4I1658 

Charleston, S. C 49>999 

Chattanooga, Tenn.... 12,892 

Davenport, Iowa 21,834 

Evansville, Ind....... 29,280 

Erie, Pa 27,730 

Elmira, N.Y 20,541 

East Saginaw, Mich... 19,016 

Fall River, Mass 49,006 

Grand Rapids, jMich.. 32,015 

Galveston, Texas 22,253 

Hoboken, N.J 3°i999 

Houston, Texas 18,646 

Indianapolis, Ind 75.074 

Kansas City, Mo 55<8i3 

Louisville, Ky 123,645 

Lewiston, Maine i9i°83 

Milwaukee, Wis 115,578 

Minneapolis, Minn.... 46,887 

Meraphis,Tenn 33.593 

Manchester, N. H 32)630 

Mobile. Alabama 31.205 

Sew York, N.Y 1,206,590 

ew Orleans, La 216,140 

Norfolk, Virginia .... 21,966 

Newport, Ky 20,433 

Nashville, Tenn 43>46i 

Oakland, Cal 34,556 

Omaha, Nebraska 30,518 

Oswego, N. Y 21,177 

Oshkosh, Wis I5i749 

Pittsburg, Pa 156,381 

Providence, R. I 104,850 

Patterson, N. J 50,887 

Portland, Maine. .... 33,810 

Peoria, 111 29,315 

Petersburg, Va 21,656 

Poughkeepsie, N.Y.. . 20,207 
Fiesidests, Viee-rresidests an 

Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and a statement of the 
Public Debt, including accrued interest thereon, 
less cash in the Treasury, on the ist day of July 
of each year, compiled from the published Report 
of the Seceetary of the Treasury. 
Year. President. Viee-President, Debt. 

1789 — Washington... .Adams $ 

1793 — Washington. ...Adams 80,352,634 04 

1797 — Adams Jefferson 82,064,47933 

1801 — Jefferson "Burr 83,038,050 80 

1805 — Jefferson Clinton 82,312,150 50 

1809 — Madison Clinton 57,023,192 00 

1813 — Madison Gerry 55,962,827 57 

1817 — Monroe Tompkins 123,491,965 16 

1821 — Monroe Tompkins 89,987,427 66 

1825 — J. Q. Adams... Calhoun 83,788,432 71 

1829 — Jackson Calhoun 58,421,413 67 

1833 — Jackson Van Buren 7,001,698 83 

1837 — Van Buren Johnson 336,957 83 

1841 — Harrison Tyler 5,250,875 54 

1842 — Tyler..... Wm.P.Mangum 13,594,480 73 

1845 — Polk Dallas 15,925,30301 

1849 — Taylor Filmore 63.061,858 69 

1850— Filmore King 63.452,773 55 

1853 — Pierce King 59,803,117 70 

1857 — Buchanan Breckenridge.. 28,699,831 85 

1861 — Lincoln Hamlin 90,580,873 73 

T865 — Lincoln Johnson 2,680,647,869 74 



106,744 


„9 74 


27,092,690 


8i 55 


2,661,000 


158 13 


4J3.IOO 


20 93 


299,500 


17 29 


221,463 


12 88 


28,244,017 


77 90 


831,000 


28 51 


38,040,000 


67 13 


8,211,934 


52 93 


128,063 


6 58 


3.403.723 


64 53 


1,164,900 


27 96 


4,129,102 


82 58 


71,566 


5 55 


290,675 


13 31 


none 




1,201,229 


43 31 


270,400 


13 17 


61 1, 055 


32 13 


3,169,765 


64 68 


471,000 


14 71 


1,023,249 


45 97 


1,099,250 


35 46 


I. 501.591 


80 53 


1,914,500 


25 50 


1,339,224 


23 99 


4.842.935 


39 16 


1,038,102 


54 39 


2,160,289 


18 69 


1.137.467 


24 25 


none 




929,000 


28 19 


2,671,100 


8S 91 


109,425,414 


90 69 


2,187,371 


99 57 


966,618 


42 41 


1,606,200 


36 95 


669,126 


19 35 


227,578 


7 45 


1,264,224 


59 86 


130,500 


8 28 


14.134.296 


90 37 


1,350,500 


26 71 


4.332.154 


128 13 


716,500 


24 44 


1,136,100 


52 46 


1,939,198 


95 96 


a Pnllic Cetts. 





1866 — Johnson Foster 2,773,236,173 69 

1869 — Grant Colfax 2,489,002,480 58 

1873 — Grant Wilson 2,147,818,713 57 

1877— Hayes Wheeler 2,060,158,223 26 

1881 — Garfield Arthur 1,840,598,811 82 

1882 — Arthur Davis 1,688,914,460 90 

1886 — Cleveland Hendricks... .1,417,156,86270 

Brief Biography of Presidents. 
Gecrgo Washington,\iOTTX Va., 1732; died '99, Aid- 
de-canip to Braddock, Indian campaign '55, chosen 
to Colonial Congress '74, Commander-in-chief '7S 
President '89-97. 

John Adams, born Mass. 1735, died 1826, ist vice- 
president and 2d president U.S., defeated by Jeffer- 
son in iSoo, one of the founders of the Republic. 

Tho7nas Jefferson, of Va., 1743, died 1826, in Col- 
onial Congress 1775, drafted Declaration Indepen- 
dence '76, governor of Va. 79, minister at Paris '85, 
Sec. of State '89, vice-president '96, president 1801-9. 

James Madison of Va., bom 1751, died i836,one of 
the founders of the Federal party, elected Congress 
'89, Sec. of State 1870, president 1809-17. 

Jatnes Monroe, olV a.., 1758, 1831, elected to Con- 
gress 17S3, governor of Va. 1799, Envoy to France 
1802, Sec. of State '11, president '17-' 25. 

Jo/in Quinoy Adams, o{ Mass., lyCj, 1848, presi- 
dent '25- 29, defeated by Jackson '28, elected to con- 
gress '30. His oratory gained for him the title of 
"Old Man Eloquent.'' 

Andrew JacXson, o{ S. C 1767, 1845, was rather 
illiterate, in congress 1796, U. S. senate 1797, dis- 
tinguished at the battle of New Orleans,'5i president 
'29-37- 

Martin Van Buren, of N. Y., 1782, 1862, elected 
state senator N. Y. 1803, state attorney-general '15, 
U. S. senator '21, governor '28, secretary of state '19- 
'29, vice-president '33, president '37-'4i. 

William H. Harrison, ol\a.., ijTi, 1841, aid-de 
camp to Gen. Wayne in Indian war, territorial gov- 
ernor of Indiana i8oi-'i3, defeated Indians at Tip- 
pecanoe '11, elected to congress '16, senator '24, elec- 
ted president '40, and died one month after his in- 
auguration. 

John Tyler, of Va., 1790, 1862, elected to congress 
i8i6j governor of Va. '25, U. S. Senator '27, vice- 
president under Harrison and succeeded him April 
4th '41. 

James K. Polk, of N. C. 179s, 1849, congressman 
from Tenn. '25, governor '39, president '45 to '49. 
During his term Texas was annexed and the war 
with Mexico prosecuted. 

Zachary Taylor, of Va. 1784, 1850, served in Sem- 
inole and Blackhawk war, major-general in Mexican 
war and won the battles of Reseca and Buena Vista, 
inaugurated president '49 and died July 9th, 1850. 

Millard Fillmore, of N. Y. 1800, 1874, congress 
•32, elected vice-president '48, and succeeded to the 
presidency on the death of Taylor. 

Franklin Pierce, of N. H. 1804, 1869, congress '32, 
senator '37, brigadi er-general in Mexican war, elect- 
ed president '52, opposed coercion of the south '63. 

Jatnes Buchanan, oIVsl. 1791, 1868, congress '21, 
minister to Russia '32, U. S. senator '34, secretary of 
state '45, minister to England '53, president '57. 

Abraham Lincoln, of Ky. 1809, elected to III. 
legislature '34, congress '46, defeated by Douglas for 
U.S. senator 54,elected president '6o,re-elected '64 
and assassinated April 14, '65 by John Wilkes Booth. 

Andrevj Johnson, N. C. 1808, 1875, congress from 
Tenn. '43, governor '53, U. S. senator '57, military 
governor '62, elected vice-president '64, and suc- 
ceeded to the presidency on the assassination of Lin- 
coln. He was subsequently elected U. S. senator. 

Ulysses S. Grant, of Ohio, 1823, 1885, served ia 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 



5 



Mexico, colonel of 21st HI. toIs. and brigadier-gen- 
■eral '62, commander-in-chief '64, president '69-77. 

Rutherford B. Hayes, of Conn. 1822, brigadier- _ 
general trom Ohio, congress '65, question as to valid- 
ity of electorial votes decided by special commis- 
sion 8 to 7 and Hayes inaugurated '77. 

James A. Garfield, of Ohio, 1831, profTessor ot 
Latin and Greek at Hiram college and choosen 
president of that institution '58, state senate '59, 
<;ol. '61, brigadier '62, congress '62, U. S. senator '80, 
president '81, shot by Giieau July 2, '81, died Sept. 
19th. 

Chester A. Arthur, of Vt. 1831, 1886, N. Y. lavpyer, 
■collector of port of N. Y., '71, elected vice-president 
'80 and succeeded to the presidency on the death of 
Garfield. 

Grover Cleveland, of N. J., 1837, teacher in N. Y. 
Blind Asylum, lawyer in Buffalo, sheriff '80, mayor 
'81, elected governor of N. Y. by 192,000 majority 
'81, president '>>l. re-nominated 'S8 and defeated. 
Fromiaest Perssaagss. 

Joseph Addison, 1672, 1719, English poet and mor- 
alist, author of "The Campaign," under secretary 
of state 1705. 

Thomas £. Aldrich, 1836, Am. poet and novelist, 
Prudence Palfry, etc. 

Ethan Allen, 1742, '89, commander in Revolution- 
ary war, hero of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 

Benedict Arnold, 1740, 1801, American general and 
traitor, later colonel in British army. 

John Jacob Astor, of Heidelberg, Germany, 17G3, 
1848, rose rapidly to wealth in N. Y. merchandise. 
Founded the Astor Library. 

Francis Bacon, 1561, 1626, English statesman, jur- 
ist and philosopher. Qygen's counsel at age of 28, 
solicitor-general 1607. 

Sir Samuel Baker, 1821, English African explorer, 
author geographical and literary works. 

Nathaniel P. Banks, 1816, American general and 
politician, congress '52, governor of Mass. 3 terms. 

Benj. D. Beaconsfield, 1804, 1880, English states- 
man and novelist, chancellor of exchequer, prime 
minister '68. 

P. T. G. Beauregard, 1816, confederate general at 
Ft. Sumter, Bull Run and Shiloh. 

Thos. H. Benton, 1782, 1858, of Hillsboro, N. C 
Elected to U. S. senate rrom Mo. 1820, and congress 
'52. 

James G. Blaine, of Pa. 1830, congress from Maine 
'62, U. S. senator '77, secretary under (iarfield, can- 
didate for presidency '84. 

Daniel Boone, of Pa. 1735, 1820, pioneer Ky., Ind., 
111. and Missouri. Prominent Indian fighter. 

John C. Breckenridge, of Ky. 1821, 1875, vice pres- 
ident under Buchanan, candidate for president 'CO, 
U. S. Senator '61, resigned and entered confederate 
service as general and later secretary of war for the 
■confederacy. 

John Brown, of Conn. 1800, zealous abolitionist, 
headed negro insureclion at Harper's Ferry '59 and 
was hanged by Gov. Wise, of Va. the «ame year. 

RoU Bumes, 1759, 1796, Scotchman n-d author of 
many prominent poems. 

Aaron Bui-r, 1756, 1836, lawyer and statesman, 
vice-president under Jetlerson, killed Hamilton in 
duel, was tried for treason but acquitted. 

Bfnj. F. Butler, of N. H., 1818, lawyer, politician 
and general, military governor of Kew Orleans, '62, 
congress trom Mass. '66, governor '82. 

Lord Byron, 1788, 1824, English poet, espoused the 
■CBuse of Grek liberty and died in Greece. 



That. Carlyle, 1795, 1881, Scotch essayist, biograph- 
er, historian and mathematician. 

Marcus T. Cicero, B. C. 1C6. '43, Roman author, 
Statesman orator, exiled B.C. 68, but recalled. Kill- 
ed by Antony's soldiers. 

Henry Clay, of Va. 1777, 1852, statesman and ora- 
tor, U. S. senate 1806, signed treaty of Ghent '15, 
candidate for president '32 and '44, prominently 
connected with the compromise of 1850. 

Saml. T. Coleridge, 1772, 1834, English poet and 
critic, German linguist and wrote Lyrical Ballads. 

Christopher Columbus, of Genoa, Italy, 1436, 1506, 
sailed from Palos Aug. 3, 1492, reached San Salvador 
Oct. 12 of that year and gave the natives the name 
of Indians, discovered Jamaica and Porto Rica 1493, 
and South America 1498. 

Confucius, B. C. 551, 478, Chinese philospher, com- 
menced preaching at 22, originated the "Golden 
Rule" and taught that to be polite and do good to 
humanity should be the chief end of man. Two- 
thirds of the human race for 2,300 years have given 
great credence lo ilie precepts which he enunciated. 

Copernicus, 1473, 1543, German astronomer, dis- 
proved the Ptolemaic theory and demonstrated that 
the sun is the center of the universe. 

Wm. Camper, 1731, 1800, English poet, translated 
Homer 1784. His letters and poetry are highly eulo- 
gized. 

Charles R. Darwin, 1809, '82, English naturalist 
and originated the theory oi "evolution," that all 
forms of animal or vegetable life progress in the 
scale of natural descent by the "survival of the fit- 
test." 

Jefferson Davis, of Ky., 1808, U. S. senator from 
Miss., '47, inaugurated president of the Confederacy 
'61, imprisoned in Fortress Monroe for 2 years after 
the fall of Richmond, released on bail with Horace 
Greeley and other northern men as sureties and_later 
the indictment quashed. 

Daniel Defoe, 1661, 1731, English novelist, in insur- 
rection against James II. Author of over 200 works. 

John R. DeKalb, 1732, 1780, German general, ac- 
companied Lafayette to Am. 1777 and killed at bat- 
tle of Camden S. C. '80. 

Demosthenes, B. C. 385, 322, Athenian orator, op- 
posed Philip of Macedon against whom he delivered 
his "Philippics." Oration on the crown hisgreatest 
achievement. Suicided by poison. 
_ Charles Dickens, 1812, '70, English novelist, for a 
time reporter for the press, author of Nicholas Nich- 
olby, iJavid Coppertield, Oliver Twist and other 
prominent productions. 

Stephen A. Douglas, of Vt., 1817, '61, statesman, 
congress from Illinois, '43, senator '47, candidate for 
presidency '56, '60. Supported Federal war, '61. 

Frederick Douglas, of Md., 1817, greatest colored 
American orator. Sold to a shipbuilder '32, escaped 
to Mass. and assumed the name of Douglas. Em- 
ployed as orator for the American Anti-slavery So- 
ciety '41. 

Dryden, 1631, 1700, English poet, critic and dra- 
matist, wrote "Ode on Alexander's Feast." 

Mme. Dudevant, 1804, '76, French novelist, mar- 
ried at 18, 10 rears later separated, changed from 
zealous catholic to liberalist, adopting man's attire 
and denouncing the marriage system. 

Thomas A. Edison, 1847, Am. electrician and in- 
ventor of improved telegraphy, telephone, electric 
light, phonograph, etc. 

Geo. F. Edmunds, of Vt. 1828, U. S. senator '66, 
re-elected three terms, and president of the senate 
under Arthur and after the death of Hendricks. 

Ralph W. Emerson, of Mass. 1803, '82, essayist, 



6 



DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 



philosopher and poet, Unitarian minister '29, auth- 
or of "Representative Men." 

Eduard Everett, 1794, 1865, orator and statesman, 
Prof, of Greek at Harvard '55; congress '24, governor 
of Mass. "35, minister to England '41, secretary of 
state '52, senate '53,. 

Hei^y Fielding, 1707, 1754, English novelist and 
dramatist, lieutenant-general. "Tom Jones" his 
greatest novel. 

£&nj. Franklin,oi Mass. 1706, 1790, statesman and 
philosopher, youngest of 17 children, printer, estah- 
lished Penna. Gazette, published "Poor Richard's 
Almanac" 1735, drew electricity from the clouds by 
• kite '52, minister to France '76, governor of Penn. 
'85, member of constitutional convention '87. 

Robert Fulton, of Penn'a, 1765, 1815, engineer and 
inventor of steam boat, invented sub-marine torpe- 
do in Paris, discovered steam navigation 1801, assist- 
ed by Robert Livingston, built steamer Clermont 
1806, which ran regularly between New York and 
Albany. 

Galileo, 1564, 1642, Italian astronomer, adopted 
copernicum theory and constructed telescope 1609, 
discovered Jupiter's moons and ascertained that the 
"Milky Way' was composed of myriads of stars. 

Eduard Oibbon, 1737, 1794, English historian, 
author of the "Decline and Fall of the Roman Em- 
pire," He was liberal in his religious belief. 

Oliver Goldsmith, 1728, '74, Irish poet and author 
of several prominent novels. 

Jay Gould, of Sandusky, Ohio, 1836, has become 
prominent as a railway and telegraph owner and 
manager. 

Horace Greeley, of N. H., 1811, 1872, journalist, 
founded N. Y. Tribune '41, was democratic candi- 
date for president '72, defeated by Grant and died 
•hortly afterwards. 

Gutenberg, 1401 , 1468, German inventor of print- 
ing and first publisher of the bible. 

Alen. Hamilton, born in West Indies 1757; killed 
in duel by Aaron Burr, 1804, orator, statesman and 
general in revolutionary war. 

Wade Hampton, of S. C. 1818, Confederate general, 
governor of S. C. 1876, U. S. senator '78. 

Winfield S. Hancock, 1824, 1886, major-general in 
late war, prominent in Gettysburg fight, democratic 
candidate for presidency 1880. 

Hannibal, B. C. 247, 183, Carthaginian general 
subdued the Spaniards, captured Saguiiium 219, 
routed Roman army 216, defeated by Scipio Afri- 
canus, 202, suicided by poison to escape being pris- 
oner of the Romans. 

Francis Bret Harte, of N. Y. 1839, humoristic 
writer; consul to a German port, '78, author of 
"Heathen Chinee," etc. 

Warren Hastings, 1732, 1818, British general and 
statesman, governor-general of India, defeated Hy- 
der Ali, king of Mysore, 

Salhaniel Hawthorne, 1804, 1864, Am. author. Twice 
told tales. Scarlet Letter, Blithedale Romances, etc. 

Robert Y. Hayne, 1791, 1840, Am. orator and states- 
man, opponent of Webster in discussion of constitu- 
tion, governor of S. C. 1832. 

Patrick Henry, 1736, 1799, Am. patriot and orator, 
in continental congress, governor of Virginia. 

Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1809, Am. physician, auth- 
or and poet. The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table, 
Elsie Venner, etc. 

Homer, B. C. 1000, Greek poet, regarded as one of 
the greatest. Supposed to have oeen blind and 
poor. The Iliad and Odyssey arc prominent text 
books. 



Horace, B. C. '65, Latin poet, Odes, Epist'es and 
Satires. 
/ Samuel Houston, 1793, 1863, Am. general and states- 
man, governor of Tennessee '27, commander of Texas 
forces in revolt against Me.xico, captured Santa An- 
na 'y6, and elected president of Texas. U. S. sena- 
tor and governor of Texas. 

Wdshingion Irving, of New York, 1783, 1859, auth- 
or Knickerbocker's History of N. Y. secretary of 
leiiation at London '29, minister to Spain '42, 
'Bracebridge Hall,' 'Conquest of Grenada,' etc. are 
among his works. 

Sfoneiccill Jackson, of Va. 1824, Confederate gener- 
al, defeated Banks at Cedar Mountain and captured 
10,000 prisoners at Harper's Ferry '02, having recon- 
noitered with aids beyond his lines near Chancellor- 
ville be was taken for the approaching enemy and 
killed by his own troops. 

Ben Johnson, 1574, 1637, English poet and dramat- 
ist, served as a mason, soldier, actor, author of 'Every 
Man in his humor,' ' Alcbu mist,' etc. Poet Laureate 
by James I. 

Elisha Kent Kane, 1820, '57, Am. Artie explorer. 

LaFayette, 1757, 1834, French general and patriot, 
aided America 1777, wounded at Brandywine, com- 
mander of French Nat. Guard, 1789, revisited Am. 
Iti24 and prominent in French Revolution '30. 

James Lawrence, 1781, 1813, Am. naval hero, coia- 
manded the Chesapeake, and killed by British frig- 
ate Shannon otf Boston, exclaiming wliile dying 
"Don't give up the ship." 

Robert E. Lee, of Va., 1806, '70, chief engineer of 
Scott's army in Mexico, commander in chief of the 
Confederate forces. Surrendered at Appomattox 
April 9, '65. 

Henry W. Longfellow, of Maine, 1807, '82 poet, 
prof, of modern languages at Bowdoin '29, at Har- 
vard '36, Hyperion, Hiawatha, Miles Staudisli, etc., 
among his works. 

Ignatus de Loyola, 1491, 1566, Spanish founder of 
the Jesuits. 

Martin Luther, of Eisleben, Germany, 1483, 1546, 
protestant reformer, priest l.")07, prof, of philosophy 
at Wittenberg '08, denounced sale of indulgenies '17, 
translated new testament '22 and old testament '34. 

Thos. B. McCauley, 1800; '59, English historian; 
critic, and essayist. 

Geo. B. McClellan, of Pa., 1826, '85, served in 
Mexican war, engineer 111. Cen. R. R. '57, command- 
ed Federal forces '61, democratic candidate for presi- 
dency '64, afterwards governor of N. J. 

Michael Angelo, 1474, 1563, greatest Italian painter, 
poet, sculptor, architect of St. Peters church at 
Rome. 

John Milton, 1608, '74, greatest English poet, blind 
'34, completed 'Paradise Lost' '55. 

Mahomet, A D. 569, founder of the Moslem relig- 
ion and author of the Koran. 

Sir Thomas Moore, 1480, 1535, English statesman, 
philosopher, parliament 1504, author of Utopia '16. 

Samuel F. B. Morse, 1791, 1872, Am. inventor of 
telegraph, constructed first line '44, Washington to 
Baltimore. 

Horatio V. Nelson, 1758, 1805, greatest English n*- 
val commander, killed at Trafalgar where his fleet 
defeated French and Spanish. 

Sir Isaac Newton, 1642, 1727, English philosopher 
and mathematician, discovered gravitation '67, auth- 
or of 'Principia.' 

Michael Xey, 1750, 1815, French marshal, was call- 
ed 'bravest ot the brave,' had live horses killed un- 
der him at battle of Waterloo, was captured aller- 
wards and executed for triiasuu. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 



IVilliam Pitt, 1759, 1806, English statesman and 
orator, parliament 1780, prime minister 1783. 

Thomas Paine, i-j^-j, i&og, patriotica! writer and 
free-thinker, author of "The Crisis," "Age of Rea- 
son" and other works. 

Pocahontas, 1595, 1617, daughter of Chief Pow- 
hatan find saved life of Captain John Smith, mar- 
ried English gentleman Rolfe. 

Israel Putnam, 1718, 1790, Ara. revolutionary 
general, prominent at Bunker Hill. 

Pythugorus, B. C. 600, 510, Greek philosopher, 
taught the doctrine of transmigration of souls. 

John Randolph, of Va. 1773, 1833, politician and 
orator, congress 1799, senate 1824, minister to Russia 
1830. 

Peyton Randolph, of Va., 1723, 1775, president of 
the first American congress. 

Jean Jaques Rousseau, 1712, 1778, French philoso- 
pher and writer. 

Johanne Schiller, 1759, 1805, most popular of 
German poets. 

Sir Walter Scott, 1771, 1832, prominent Scottish 
novelist and poet. 

Wm. H, Seward, 1801, 1872, secretary of State 
1861-9, nearly assassinated the same night that Lin- 
coln was shot, (April 14, 1865). 

Horatio Seymour, 1811, 1886, governor ofN.Y. 1852, 
re-elected 1862, democratic presidential candidate '68. 

U'illiam Shakespeare, 1564, 1616, greatest Eng- 
lish dramatist and famous author. 

Philip H. Sheridan, 1831, 1888, general in Fed- 
eral array and commander-in-chief 1883 till his death. 

Henry W. Shaw, (Josh Billings) i8i8, 1885, Amer- 
ican humoristic writer and lecturer. 

John Sherman, 1823, secretary of treasury 1877-81, 
resulted specie payment, prominent senator. 

H'm. T. Sherman, 1&20, Am. general, made the 
celebrated 'March to the Sea'; general of army '69. 

Capt. John Smith, 1579, 163 1, English explorer, 
founder of Va., first circumnavigator of the globe. 

Charles H. Spurgeon, 1834, English pulpit orator 
and evangelist. 

Alex. H. StevcTis, of Ga., 1812, '83. statesman, 
congress 1843, vice-president of the confederacy, au- 
thor of history U. S. and war between the states. 

Thomas Dewit Tahnage, 1832, noted preacher in 
New York city. 

Samuel J Tilden, 1814, 1886, governor of N. Y., 
democratic candidate for president 1876, had popu- 
lar majority of a quarter million, and was given by 
the 'electoral commission' 184 of the 369 electoral 
votes. 

^Boss^ Tweed, 1823, 1878, politician, mayor of New 
York, and embezzler. 

I\Iatthew Vassar, 1792, x868; founder of Vassar 
college. 

Voltaire, 1694, 1778, French author, poet, dramat- 
ist, historian, philosopher and skeptic. 

James Watt. 1736, 1819, Scottish engineer and in- 
ventor, improved and completed steam engine. 

Noah Welister, 1758, 1843, spent most of his life 
as a lexicographer. 

Daniel IVel'ster, of N. H., 1782, 1852, lawyer, or- 
ator, statesman, congress 1812, senate 1828, secretary 
of state, candidate for president 1834. 

Arthur IK IVelling-lon, 1769, 1852, Briti.sh gen- 
eral and statesman, parliament 1805, secretary o' 
Ireland 1807, defeated Napoleon at Waterloo 1815, 

John G. IVhittier, of Mass., 1807, poet and author 
nf famous ballads. 



Wm. Wadsworth. 1770, 1850, English poet. 

Ulrich Zwingle, 1484, 1531, Swiss reformer, killed 
m battle. 

STANDING ARMIES. 

Italy has an army of 214,000 and 2,475,000^ trained 
men available. France keeps under arms 500,000 
men, one-fourth cavalry, has 1,850 field guns and 100 
fortress batteries. Germany's land forces are 468,- 
000 and she can mustei about four times that num- 
l^er.— Austria's standing army numbers 289,000.— 
f he English army 131,000, and in British India 189,- 
000. Its navy is 700 ships.— The Russian Empire 
keeps standing 974,000 and can muster in wartime 
over 2,000,000.— The Turkish standing army has 
350,000 men.— China has 300,000 soldiers. Our form 
of government makes it practicable to maintain 
peace with a very small force, and we find the U. S. 
with only about 25,000 regular soldiers. 

THE CIVIL WAR. 

During the civil war from first to last 2,600,000 
men were mustered in by the U. S. There were on 
duty Jan. ist, '61, 14,663 Union soldiers, July, '6i, 
183,588, Jan. '62, 527,204, Jan. '63, 698,802, Jan. '64, 
611,250, Jan. '65, 620,924, May '65, 797,807, and 
about one million on the muster roll at the close of 
the war. Many of the Union soldiers were mustered 
in for short periods, and none for longer than three 
years without re-enlistment. 

I'he Confederate troops were mostly engaged dur- 
ing the- war, and at the close their army numbered 
but little over 150,000, although 600,000 had been on 
the muster rolls. The loss from battle on both sides 
was about 200,000, and from wounds, disease and 
subsequent deaths, together with those totally dis- 
abled, foots up nearly four times as many, thus 
making a sacrifice of nearly a million of men and over 
eight bilUons of property, in one of the most remark- 
able civil wars the world has ever known, 

MASON AND DIXON's LINE. 

A name given to the southern boundary line of 
the Free State of Pennsylvania which formerly sep- 
arated it from the Slave States of Maryland and 
Virginia. It was run— with the exception of about 
twenty-two miles- by Charles Mason and Jeremiah 
Dixon, two English mathematicians and surveyors, 
between Nov. 15, 1^63, and Dec. 26, 1767. During 
the excited debate in Congress in 1820, on the ques- 
tion of excluding slavery from Missouri, the eccentric 
John Randolph of Roanoke made great use of this 
phiase, which was caught up and re-echoed by every 
newspaper in the land, and thus gained a celebrity 
which it still retains. 

NEW YORK AND BROOT.VN BRIDGE. 

First talked of by Colonel Julius W. ,\dams about 
1865; act of incorporation passed April, 1866; survey 
begun by John A. Roebling, 1869; construction be- 
gun January 2, 1870; first rope thrown across the 
river August 14, 1876; Master Mechanic Farrington 
crossed in a boatswain's chair August 25, 1876; depth 
of the New York foundation below high water mark, 
78 feet 6 inches; depth of the Brooklyn foundation 
below high water mark, 45 feet. The New York 
tower contains 46,945 cubic yards of masonry; the 
Brooklyn tower 38,214; weight of the Brooklyn 
tower, 93,079 tons; weight of the New York tower, 
about a third more; size of the towers at high water 
line, 140x59 feet; at roof course, 136x53 feet; height 
of tower above high water mark, 276 feet 6 inches; 
height of roadway in the clear in the middle of the 
East River, 135 feet; grade of the roadway, 3 
feet 3 inches to 100 feet; width of the prom- 
enade in the center of bridge, 16 feet 7 inches; 
width for railway on one side of the promenade, 
12 feet 10 inches; width of carriageway on the 
otner side of the promenade, 18 feet 9 inches; 
width of bridge, 85 feet; length jf main span, 1,595 
feet 6 inches; length of each land span, 930 feet;. 



DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 



Length of the BrooVlyn approach 971 feet. Length 
of the New York approach l,ot>U ieet. Length oi 
each of the four grOat cables 3,578 feet 6 inches; di- 
ameter 15% inclies; cumber of steel galvanized 
wires in each cable 5,43^ ; weight of each cable about 
800 tons. Ultimate strength of each cable 15,uu0 
tons. Weight of steel in tne suspended superstruc- 
ture 10,0(iu tons. Total cost 15,000,000 dollars. Op- 
ened for irafflc in 1883. 

BAILWAY SUSPENSION BRIDGE, NIAGARA FALLS. 

Engineer, John A. Roebling. Height of towers on 
American side 88 feet. Height of towers on Canada 
side 7s feet. Length of bridge 800 feel. Width of 
bridge '^4 foet. Height above the river 250 feet. 
Number of cables 4. Diameter of cables 10 inches, 
containing about 4,000 miles of wire. Ultimate ca- 
pacity of the 4 cables lii,400 tons. Total weight of 
bridge 800 tous. Distance between railway track 
aud carriage road below 28 feet. Cost of construc- 
tion 500,000 dollars. Bridge first opened for railway 
traffic March 8, 1855. Estimated aepth of water in 
the channel beneath the bridge 250 feet. Velocity 
of current 20 miles per hour. Velocity of Whirlpool 
Rapids 27 miles per hour. Quantity of water pas- 
sing through the gore perminut* 1,500,000,000 cubic 
feet. 

NEW CAPITOL BUILDING AT ALBANY, N. Y. 

It was decided to erect the New Capitol on the 
first day of May, 18G5. On the ninth day of Decem- 
ber, 1807, the work of excavation commenced and 
proceeded to a depth of sixteen feet below the sur- 
lace. On the seventh day of July, IStii), the first 
stone in the foundation was laid. The corner stone 
was laid on the twenty-third day of June, 1871. 
The size is 300 feet north and south by 400 feet east 
and west, and with the porticoes will cover three 
acres and seven square feet. The walls are 108 feet 
high from the water table. Total cost of the build- 
ing up to February 2^th, 1884 was §15,270,000. It is 
estimated that it will cost at least 80,000,000 more to 
complete it. 

U. S. WEATHER SIGNALS. 

White flag indicates clear or fair weather. Blue 
flag indicates rain or snow. Black, triangular flag 
always refers to temperature ; when placed above 
white or blue it indicates warmer weather ; when 
placed below white or blue it indicates cooler weath- 
er; when not displayed the indications are that the 
temperature will remain stationary, or that the 
change will not vary five degrees Irom the tempera- 
ture of the .same hour of the preceding day. White 
flag with black square in center, indicates the ap- 
proach of a sudden aud decided fall in temperature. 

The weather predictions are issued at 1 a. ni., 
daily for the twenty-four hours commencing at 7 a. 
m. These predictions are telegraphed to Signal 
Service stations, railroads, post-offices, ntc. 

The cold-wave warnings are telegraphed to the 
principal stations of the service from twenty-four 
to forty-eight hours in advance, when it is expected 
that tlie temperature will fall decidedly and sud- 
denly. 

HOW TO MEASURE CORN IN CRIB, ETC. 

ThisYule will apply to a crib of any size or kind. 
Two cubic feet ol good sound dry corn in the ear 
will make a bushel of shelled corn. Then to get the 
quantity of shelled corn in a crib of corn in the ear, 
measure the length breadth and height of the crib, 
inside of the rail, multiply the length by the breadth 
and the product by the height ; then divide the pro- 
duct by two and you have the number of bushels of 
shelled corn in the crib. 

To find the number of apples, potatoes, etc. in a 
bin, multiply the length breadth and thickness to- 
gether, and this product by .s, aud point oft one fig- 
u** in the product for decimals. 



AUTIDOTBS FOR POISONS. 

In case where the other articles to be used as anti- 
dotes are not in the house, give two tablespoonf uls of 
mustard mixed in a pint ot warm waiti. Also give 
large draughts of warm milk or water mixed with 
oil butter or lard. If possible give as follows: 

For bed-bug poison, blue vitriol, corrosive subli- 
ment, sugar ot lead, sulphate of zinc or red precip- 
itate — give milk or white of eggs in large quanti- 
ties. 

For Fowler's solution or white percipitate, arsenic 
— give prompt emetic of mustard aud salt — table- 
spoonful of each ; follow with a quantity of sweet 
oil, butter or milk. 

Forautiiuonial wine or tartar emetic — drink warm 
water to encourage vomiting. If vomiting does not 
stop give a grain of opium in water. 

tor oil vitriol, muriatic acid or oxalic acid — Mag- 
nesia or soap dissolved in water, (iive every two 
minutes. 

For caustic soda or caustic potash — drink freely of 
water with viuegai- or lemon juice in it. 

For carbolic acid— give flour and water or glutin- 
ous drinks. 

For chloral hydrate or chloroform — pour cold wat-- 
er over the head and face, with artificial respiration, 
galvanic battery. 

For carbonate of soda, copperas or cobalt — prompt 
emetic ; soap or mucilaginous drinks. 

For laudauam, morphine or opium — strong coffee 
followed by ground mustard or grease in warm wat- 
er to produce vomiting. Keep in motion. 

For nitrate of silver — give common salt in warm 
water. 

!• or strychnine or tincture nux vomica — emetic ol 
mustard or sulphate of zinc, aided by warm water. 

REMEDIES FOR BURNS AND SCALDS. 

Every family should have a preparation of flax- 
seed oil, chalk and vinegar, about the consistency 
ut thick paint, constantly on hand for burns and 
scalds. 'J'he best application in cases of burns and 
scalds is a mixture ot one part of carbolic acid to 
eight parts of olive oil. Lint or linen rags are to be 
saturated in the lotion, and spread smoothly over 
the burned part, which should then be covered with 
oil silk or gutta-percha tissue to exclude air. 

STRENGTH OP ICE. 

Two inches thick — will support a man. 
Four inches thick — a man on horseback. 
Five inches thick — an eighty-pounder cannon. 
Eight inches thick — a battery of artillery. 
Ten inches thick — will support an army. 

HOW TO MIX INK AND FAINTS FOR TINTS. 

Ked and black makes Brown 

Lake and white makes Kose 

Umber and white makes Drab 

Whiteand brown makes Chestnut 

Ked with light blue makes I'urple 

Blue with lead color makes Fearl 

Carmine with white makes Pink 

Lamp black with indigo makes Silver (jrey 

Lamp black with white makes Lead color 

Faris green with white makes Light green 

Yellow ochre and white makes Bull 

White tinted with purple makes French white 

Black with clirome green makes Dark green 

Emerald Green with white Brilliant green 

Vermilion with chrome yellow Orange 

Yellow with white lead Straw color 

White tinted with red and yellow „ Cream 

Yellow, blue, black and red Olive 

CO.MPOSITION OF SOLDERS. 

Fine solder is an alloy of two parts of block tin, 
and one part of lead. Plumbing solder one part of 
block tin, two parts of lead, tilaziug solder is equal 
parts of block tin aud lead. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 



TONAWANDfl^'NORTH TONIlWflNDfl 

LOCATED IN 

ERIE AND NIAGARA COUNTIES, N. Y. 

THE 

*"LUMBER CITY." 



ITS^ADVANTAGES AND SURROUNDINGS PLAINLY PORTRAYED FROM A MAT- 
TER-OF-FACT STANDPOINT— PROFESSIONAL AND PUBLIC MEN, SOCI- 
TIES, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, RAILROADS, WATERWAYS, MANU- 
FACTURING AND MERCANTILE INTERESTS. 



i?)]VTRODUCTORY.— We shall not go into a lengthy preface, but at 
once proceed to the task of compiling a condensed sketch of this 
~ place and its surroundings. It will not be exhaustive, and we shall 
doubtless omit something which properly might have been incorporated 
in these pages, but we hope to make it more comprehensive and gener- 
ally accurate than any historical pamphlet or paper that has ever been 
published before for the " Lumber City," and in a condensed form to 
present the natural and acquired advantages of this section, with the 
view of attracting additional emigrants, the talents and the capital of 
enterprising men desirous of embarking in any legitimate business. 

We shall not go into lengthy details of unimportant private enter- 
prises, nor" fulsome praise of individuals ; but it is the purpose of the com- 
piler and interested citizens of this place to present in a convenient shape 
for preservation, and in as brief a manner as is consistent with an intel- 
ligible description of the facts (yet withal so inexpensive and easily 

*[The towns of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda are located in differ- 
ent counties and are separated by Tonawanda Creek, but their proximity to 
each other, and intimate business and social relations, render their intej'ests 
so nearly identical as to make them practically one city. In fact it is daily 
becoming more apparent that the proiect for forming a new county from 
portions of Erie and Niagara counties, with the Tonawandas united in one 
municipality as the county seat, is a most excellent one. To avoid confusion 
and the tedious repetition of the two names it has been deemed expedient to 
use some significant appellation in referring to the two places jointly. From 
Maine to Michigan this point is known as an important lumber centre, and, 
as former writers have used the highly appropriate and signilicant term of 
Lumber City, we shall adopt this name when speaking of the two places to- 
gether.] 



10 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

mailed as to be sent far and wide by the promoters of this section), a 
sketch of our advantages and surroundings, which shall show forth to 
the world the undoubted superiorities of this point, and that our pro- 
gressive men are ever ready to welcome any legitimate industry. 

The purpose of this pamphlet is to exhibit in a condensed form, 
and with strict regard to the truth, the resources and advantages of this 
twin city, and show forth its desirability as a place of residence and a 
business mart. The object is to give accurate information regarding its 
railroads and waterways, religious, educational and industrial resources, 
its professional, banking, mercantile and manufacturing facilities, and in 
fact its many advantages and general attractions. 

THE FUTURE PREDICTED. 

Four years since one of the ablest editorial writers of the New York 
Times visited Kansas City, Duluth, ('hicago, Buffalo and other cities with 
the view of predicting if possible Avhere the most vigorous growth of the 
future would concentrate. Here is what Frank Wilkeson wrote : " As I 
look forward to Buffalo's future, I am not at all certain that Chicago will 
be the largest city on the lakes. I strongly incline to the belief that the 
Erie Canal will eventually draw to Bufialo the commerce of a region 
which living men will see inhabited by 25,000,000, the larger portion of 
whom will be producers of bulky primary products, and all of whom 
will be large consumers of coal and iron. If Buffalo secures this trade, 
and she can, then Buffalo and not Chicago will be the second American 
city." 

When the above prophecy was made many persons doubted the 
sanity of the author, but the developments of the three past years 
have led careful observers to the conclusion that before a quarter of the 
next century has passed this forecast ma}^ be entirely verified. The 
harnessing of Niagara Falls, with its untold and unestimated power, 
which is now being p ashed to completion and has been decided by en- 
gineering experts both in Europe and America to be not only feasible 
but practical, will doubtless bring to this section the cheapest power ex- 
tant and assist greatly in the upbuildini^ of manufacturing interests. 
With the consummation of the tunnel developments, and the rapid ex- 
tension of Buffalo, it is only a question of time when, from Lake tirie to 
the Falls, a distance of twenty miles, will be one vast metropolis, and 
the " Lumber City " its centre. 

GEOGRAPHICAL.— With a map of the country before him, 
the acute observer may readily see how advantageously the " Lumber 
City " is located. At the foot of the great chain of lakes, through which 
the lumber and timber from the Michigan and Canadian forests is acces- 
sible at the minimum price, with direct connections to the anthracite 
and bituminous coal regions of Pennsylvania, and in shape to receive 
the barges of Lake Superior ore, with cheap fuel and cheap limestone, 
there is every reason to believe that furnaces, under judicious manage- 
ment, located at this place should meet with unbounded success. The 
slight disadvantages in securing the coal and coke is more than counter- 
balanced in the saving of breaking bulk and reshipments required in 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 11 

transporting the ore to the Pittsburg region. And the product of more 
than one furnace would be readily absorbed at our very door. The es- 
tablishment of additional furnaces would create a good foundation for 
manufactories in all lines of iron interests, and the above suggestion is 
very worthy of the careful consideration of capitalists. 

PAST HISTORY. — For the purposes of this work we shall give 
but a brief mention of the remote past. Western New York is particu- 
larly full of interest for the student of American History. Long before 
the Indians of which we have record roamed the forests of Erie and 
Niagara counties, or fished in the clear waters of river and lakes, it is be- 
lieved to have been inhabited by a superior people — of whom not even 
a tradition remains — whose only monuments are scattered earthworks 
and tumuli here and there containing pottery, ornaments, and bones 
from a race of giants. Whether these were a distinct race from the ab- 
original Indians or not, we may never know, but it is reasonable to sup- 
pose that they constituted a part of the half-civilized race who were pre- 
decessors to the Mexican Aztecs. Relics, mounds, etc., from this source 
were formerly abundant through the Ohio and Mississippi valleys as far 
north as Lake Superior and as far east as this point. If a separate race 
from the Indians, when or by what agency they were destroyed will 
perhaps for all time remain a mystery as deep as that of the lost island 
of "Atlantis." De la Roche Daillon,an early French missionary, visited 
this section in 1627 and preached to the Neuter Nation in Niagara and 
Erie counties. The warlike Eries then held the entire south shore of 
Lake Erie to Sandusky Bay, while the Iroquois occupied the principal 
portion of this state, and the Hurons held possession, more particularly 
in the adjacent portions, of Canada. Within the decade from 1645 to 
1655 a relentless Avar was waged in which the Kahquahs (Neuter Nation) 
and Eries were exterminated and the Hurons driven farther west, leav- 
ing the Iroquois (Five Nations) virtually masters of the situation. Rob- 
ert de La Salle, a bold French adventurer, in 1669 visited the Senecas 
and other tribes and with his companions and guides passed through 
the trackless wilderness and down the Allegheny and the Ohio to the 
Falls. He returned to his native country, and in 1678, with a commission 
from Louis, King of France, came back to Quebec and, accompanied by 
La Motte, Father Hennepin and others, he located on the Niagara River, 
in Wheatfield township, and proceeded to build a sailing craft. On 
August 7th, 1679, after several unsuccessful attempts, this schooner of 
60 tons burden, manned by La Salle, an Italian named Tonti, 35 French 
seamen, and having on board several small cannon, ascended the rapids 
above Black Rock, and " The Griffin " launched out on the bosom of 
Lake Erie as the first boat of the pale-face. The vessel went as far as 
Green Bay, Wis., where it loaded with furs and was to proceed to the 
southern part of Lake Michigan in charge of Tonti, the Italian, who was 
second in command. Meanwhile La Salle, Father Hennepin, and a por- 
tion of the crew went by overland and canoes to the south end of the 
lake, where they established a trading post, and after waiting many 
weary months for " 1 he Griffin," decided that it had been lost in a storm 



12 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

and all on board had perished. After several years of explorations and 
daring hardships on the Mississippi, which was traversed to its mouth' 
La Salle was murdered by two of his followers about 1683, after having 
claimed Louisiana and all the country which he had discovered for 
France. We have made this paragraph somewhat extended from the 
fact that La Salle and his followers were the first white men to make an 
extended stay and engage in boat-building in the neighborhood of the 
Lumber City, which the}' did nearly one hundred years prior to the 
Revolutionary war. 

There were numerous bloody encounters between the French and 
Indians from 1670 to 1715. About the latter year the French rebuilt 
Fort Niagara, and through the influence of Chabert Joncaire, a young 
Frenchman who had been captured and adopted by the Indians, a treaty 
of peace was brought about. In 1752 Du Quesne opened a road from 
Erie to LeBoeuf, the headwaters of French Creek at Waterford. George 
Washington was sent there in 1753 with instructions from Governor Din- 
widdle, of Virginia, asking the French commander to evacuate Fort 
LeBreuf, as being on English territory. The Portage road was also 
opened from the mouth of Chautauqua Creek to Mayville, thus making 
the second communication with the headwaters of tlie Ohio. 

Wayne's great victory over the Indians on the Maumee River in 
1794, and the final treaty with the Iroquois in November following, 
ended all further danger of savage uprisings in this part of the country, 
and with the assurance of peace a new impetus was given to immigra- 
tion and settlement. 

NEW YORK.— Henry Hudson, an Englishman in the Dutch 
service, discovered Manhattan Island in 1609, and a year later it was set 
tied by Adrian Black and others. The Plymouth Company, under their 
grant of Massachusetts, from the Atlantic to the Pacific claimed this 
territory; but the Dutch Wast India Company settled it with over one 
hundred emigrants in 1623, and named it New Amsterdam. Peter Min- 
uits was governor for ten years, succeeded by Wouter Van Twiller, who 
was 5 feet 6 inches in height and 6 feet 5 inches in circumference. Wil- 
liam Kaieft, third governor, was unnecessarily quarrelsome with the 
Indians, and precipitated an outbreak in 1643. He was recalled by the 
company and the government given to Peter Stuyvesant. The town and 
country were seized by Richard Nichols, for the Duke of York, in 1664, 
and New Amsterdam incorporated, with change of name to New York. 
The English remained comparatively friendly with the Mohawks and 
oth >r Indian tribes, who waged war against the invasion of De la Barre, 
governor of Quebec, in 1684, continuing their deadly encounters until 
the peace of Ryswick was established in 1697. 

NIAGARA. AND ERIE CO.'S.— In 1784 Western New York 
was named Montgomery county. In 1789 this section was in Ontario 
county, and in 1802 all west of the Genesee River was called Genesee 
county. On the 11th of March, 1808, Niagara countv was created with 
boundaries as fiir south as Cattaraugus Creek, the township of Cambria 
comprising the present area of Niagara county. April, 1821, Erie county 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 13 

was set off as at present bounded. Buffalo, which had been the county- 
seat of Niagara from its foundation in 1808, now became the seat of jus- 
tice for Erie county, and after animated discussion Lock port was made 
the permanent shire town of Niagara, and the court house occupied in 
•January, 1825. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT.— Previous to operations on the Erie 
Canal there appears to have been but little progress made towards the 
settlement of Wheatfield township. In 1809 Geo. N. Burger located on 
the premises now occupied by Vincent Koch & Co. A year later John 
Pettit opened a log tavern near where the Niagara Iron Works stand, 
and in 1817 Stephen Jacobs took up a claim a mile further down the 
river. James Carney was located here f^s early as 1819, having previ- 
ously settled with his father on Carney Island, now Tonawanda Island. 

In Tonawanda township the first settlement was made as early 
as 1805 by Alex. Logan, John King and John Hershey, Oliver Standard, 
John Cunningham, Joseph Guthrie, Ebenezer Coon and Thomas Han- 
nan. Henry Anguish, about 1808, was perhaps the first to locate within 
the present corporate limits of Tonawanda, where in 1811 he opened a 
tavern. Robert Van Slyke, Frederick Buck and James Burba settled in 
the vicinity in 1810. At this time the site of the Lumber City was 
nearly an unbroken forest, with no roads excepting one along the beach 
of the Niagara River. Robt. Simson took up a farm just east of 
Tonawanda, in 1811. 

THE WAR OF 1812.— This place having been within the 
bounds of action during the second war with England, is sufficient apol- 
ogy for brief reference to those trying times. As dangers were appre- 
hended here, a guard-house was erected in 1811, near the foot of South 
Canal street, and many thrilling experiences were had by the little band 
of settlers during the next two or three years. It was first contemplated 
to build the lake fleet at this point and Black Rock ; but Capt. Daniel 
Dobbins, a prominent lake man, recomended Erie, Pa., as a more feasi- 
ble point for boat building, and it was there that Commodore Perry's 
little fleet was erected, which met and defeated the enemy on Sept. 10th, 
1813. Shortly after the capture of Fort Niagara by the British, Dec. 19, 
1813, a detachment of the enemy on their way to Buffalo, burned not 
only the fort here, but every building in the vicinity excepting the resi- 
dence of Mrs Francis (a French lady). Other settlers had 
made their escape, but Mrs. Francis, having been sick, had not been able 
to flee, and after the torch was applied she summoned courage to crawl 
down from her hiding place and put out the fire. Buffalo also suffered 
from the enemy's torch. After the war settlement was again resumed, 
but was not vigorous until operations were commenced on the Erie 
Canal. 

THE ERIE CANAL.— Jesse Hawley was first to pubhcly ad- 
vocate the building of a waterway from Lake Erie to the Hudson, which 
he did by publishing an article on that subject in the Pittsburg Com- 
monwealth in 1807. The matter was discussed from time to time and 



14 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

Mr. Geddes, a year or two later, made a cursory examination of a pro- 
posed route. In 1810 a commission appointed by the Legislature sur- 
veyed a route, and after failing to secure the necessary appropriation 
from Congress, the New York Legislature, in June, 1812, authorized the 
borrowing of five million dollars with which to construct the canal ; but 
the war with Great Britain paralyzed the financial resources of the state 
and two years later the act authorizing the loan was repealed. As the 
state recovered from the effects of the war with England, the canal con- 
struction was again agitated and the measure re-enacted in April, 1817, 
with Dewitt Clinton, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Joseph Ellicott, Samuel 
Young and Myron Holley as commissioners. Ground was first broken 
at Rome on July 4th, 1817, and from that time forward the work pushed 
as fast as practicable in those days. The middle section was completed 
in three years, the part east of Utica was finished October, 1823, and 
then attention was turned to the construction of the western section. 

The first work done on this section was at Tonawanda, in 1823, by 
Judge Samuel Wilkeson and Dr. Ebenezer Johnson, who built the dam 
across the creek. It was at first thought that the canal would end at 
Tonawanda or Black Rock ; but the lake level at Buffalo being some- 
what higher, it was finally decided expedient to make that place the 
western terminus. On the 9th of August, 1823, work was commenced 
in Buff'alo, the entire western section completed and the whole canal 
ready for use Oct. 24th, 1825. On the evening of the 25th Gov. Clinton 
and other distinguished gentlemen from Albany arrived in Buffiilo, 
having made the trip by canal boats in less than five days. On the 
journey cannons had been arranged at convenient intervals, that on the 
departure from Buff'alo were to be fired in succession immediately after 
hearing the report from the one directly to the west. In this manner 
the news of the return trip of the Governor and his associates was her- 
alded to Albany, 280 miles distant, in one hundred minutes, a record 
unparalleled before the days of telegraphy. This was then the longest 
canal in the world (excepting one in China), and the people of the Em- 
pire State were justly proud of their achievements. It was 363 miles in 
length, 40 feet at surface, and 28 at bottom, with 4 feet draft. It had 83 
locks, with a descent from Buff'alo to Albany of 563 feet. The largest 
boats then available carried 76 tons burden, and the cost of construction 
had been $7,000,000. Buff'alo being the terminal point, and the place of 
breaking bulk from the West, received the greatest good ; but this entire 
region shared to a considerable extent in the general prosperity. Sub- 
sequent to the war, the canal was enlarged to a width of 56 feet at the 
bottom and depth of 7 feet, giving a water capacity of more than three 
times the former measure, and at a cost of abovit $30,000,000 ; but the 
revenue from canal tolls had warranted this expense. With more com- 
plete railroad transportation the competition was too great, and in order 
to continue the life of the canal business, which was believed to be of 
general good to the people of the state, this great waterway was made 
free in 1882. Its benefits are believed to be an ample reward for the tax 
required for its maintenance. Notwithstanding all that may have been 
said to the contrary, the Erie Canal has not outlived its usefulness. Sta- 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 15 

tistics from New York city disclose the fact that one-third of all the flour 
and grain from the states during 1890 came by canal. With improved 
cables and clutches the expense of canal-boating ma>"be greatly lessened. 
With the enlargement and improvement of the canal and the adoption 
of modern inventions it is safe to assert that this plan of transportation 
for heavy freights will continue to be a pojDular one. 

NIAGARA RIVER.— The majestic outlet of Lake Erie which 
flows swiftly but quietly past the Lumber City is in many respects the 
grandest and most famous river in the world. With its tumultuous 
rapids, its roaring cataract and its fearful whirlpools, it is an object of 
w^onder and admiration by personages of all classes and from every land. 
About 35 miles in length, for its average width of three-quarters of a 
mile, the Niagara probably carries a greater volume of water than any 
other river on the globe. A short distance below where the lake merges 
into the river there is a rapid descent and very strong current, which, 
however, does not seriously interfere with navigation. From this point 
the current is marked, but comparatively even, until it reaches the rapids 
about a half mile above the great Falls, where the incline is steep and 
the river plunges along over the huge stones, falling a distance of perhaps 
forty feet before it reaches the majestic plunge, where it rushes in eternal 
thunder over a precipice 160 feet in height, making the grandest specta- 
cle known to man. For five miles below the falls, excepting at the whirl- 
pool, the river is very narrow and walled in by almost perpendicular 
cliffs from 200 to 250 feet in height. Through a portion of this gorge it 
is supposed to be the deepest river in the world. The great Whirlpool 
Kapids in this portion is scarcely less remarkable than the cataract itself. 
As the outlet for the chain of great lakes, Niagara is unceasing and 
almost uniform in its volume, being neither perceptibly increased nor 
diminished by flood or drouth. A strong prolonged western wind 
causes the river to rise a foot or two, while a steady gale from the east 
has a reverse effect. This uniformity of volume has greatly assisted in 
creating, along the river front at this place, and on all sides of Tona- 
wanda Island, an elegant harbor for vessels and place for storage to 
this chief lumber mart of the east. Miles of docks line the banks 
at this point and receive cargoes direct from the vessels, for storage, or 
reshipment via the Erie Canal. About a mile below Lake Erie is the 
head of Squaw Island ; two miles further on is Strawberry Island. Six 
miles from its source the Niagara divides into an east and west branch 
(its general course from Erie to Ontario being west of north), embracing 
within its watery arms Grand Island, a fertile tract of 17,381 acres of 
land. In its winding course it is six miles from the head of Grand Island 
to Tonawanda Island and the Lumber City. Midway between this and 
the Falls we find Cayuga Island. Narrowly detached from Grand Island 
at its lower end is Buckhorn Island ; a mile farther on is Navy Island 
(the only British territory of any importance in Niagara River), and then 
the grand park of Goat Island and the Three Sisters, just on the brink 
of the great pricipice. By direct line across Grand Island it is but 15 
miles from the head of the Niagara River to the Falls, but the circuitous 
route by river or rail past the Lumber City adds six or seven miles to 



1() DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

the distance. From the above description of river and islands it will be 
seen that the people of this place have not far to go to reach a picnic 
ground or summer resort. Grand Island and the lesser lights furnish 
numerous locations for an outing, while a quarter will give you passage 
to Buflfalo or to Niagara Falls, 

WATER POWER OF NIAGARA.— Who has measured 
it? Can it be utilized ? What does it mean to the Lumber City ? The 
business men of this place have long recognized the fact that to harness 
the power of this mighty river was of first importance to their rapidly 
growing city, and there has been a concentration of thought and effort, 
by the best engineering minds, to solve the problem of how to accom- 
plish this end. As a result, a powerful corporation has been organized, 
composed of leading capitalists and bankers of New York, Philadelphia 
and London, known as the Cataract Construction Company. A contract 
has been made with the Niagara Falls Power Company to build an im- 
mense tunnel Irom near the river above the Falls to the river below the 
Falls, with shafts to serve as wheel pits, and connected with the river 
above the Falls by lateral canals, discharging the water so gathered from 
the river through turbine wheels at the bottom of these shafts into the 
main tunnel and through it into the river below, the tunnel thus serving 
as an immense tail race. By this very simple plan, approved as practi- 
cable by the engineering and electrical experts of Europe and America, 
backed by keen, sagacious capitalists, it is estimated that 150,000-horse 
power will be developed. This great work will cost $3,500,000, and it is 
to be completed within a few months. As but a small fraction of tlie 
water in the river will be used by this tunnel, it is among the possibili- 
ties that within the next few years ten tunnels instead of one will be in 
operation, developing the enormous total of 1,500,000-horse power. 

What does this mean to the Lumber City f The result of utilizing only 
the 150,000-horse power now in course of development will be to make 
Buffalo and region extending to Niagara Falls the greatest manufacturing 
centre of the ivorld. Mr. Edison is authority for the statement that elec- 
trical power can then be supplied to all the manufactories of the river 
region (now 3,000 in number) for one-fifth the cost of steam. 

This 150,000-horse power is far greater than that developed, at the 
Falls of St. Anthony in the Mississippi Kiver, around which is clustered 
the milling interests of the great North West, and which has resulted in 
the building up of the twin cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, with a com- 
bined population of more than 300,000 souls. 

It is apparent, if like causes produce hke results, that an increase 
equal to this in the region between Buffalo and Niagara Falls is bound 
to closely follow the completion of this great tunnel. With a greater 
motive power at her command than is utilized at any other point in the 
civilized world, it means to this city that she is no longer content to take 
one toll on the primary products brought to her door by the ever in- 
creasing commerce of the great lakes, and then re-ship them ; but that 
she proposes to take double and triple toll, by first running these pri- 
mary products of an " Inland Empire " through her mills and factories 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 17 

propelled by the cheapest power the world has ever known — the power 
of Niagara. With 32 passenger trains each day to Buffalo we i^ractically 
enjoy her advantages in railroad service. Buftalo is at the head of the 
Erie Canal, the foot of the great chain of lakes, the terminal point of 
more than twenty railroads, most of them trunk lines, and is the dis- 
tributing point for millions of people and products. Within the present 
city limits are over 660 miles of railroad trackage, more than can be 
found in any other city on the globe, and the Lumber City not only has 
the benefits of direct passenger service but gets the same freight rates as 
Buffalo to any part of the country. With electric railways in operation to 
the Falls, tlie intervening residence and manufacturing sections can 
scarcely fail of marvelous and unprecedented growth, and real estate 
values must show a rapid increase. 

SALUBRITY AND HEALTHFULNESS.-Although well 
north in the temperate zone, this section is seldom visited by intense 
cold, and the mercury in summer is rarely above 90 in the shade. The 
wonderful ameliorating effects of large bodies of water is well known, 
and this narrow neck of country lying directly between the great lakes 
of Erie and Ontario is particularly fortunate in its location. The winters 
are decidedly warmer, summers cooler, and extremes much less than in- 
land sections upon the same line of latitude. It is also a noted fact that 
the lake influences deflect all severe storms, cyclones and hurricanes, so 
that this favored section has never had a visitation of anything worthy 
of note in that line. These advantages show a marked good eft'ect upon 
the healthfulness of this section. The nosological chart published by 
the Smithsonian Institute gives the greatest immunity from epidemic 
diseases in North America to a narrow strip of land in this section. All 
diseases are usually found here, if at all, in their mildest form, and 
readily controlled. 

VILLAGE NUCLEUS.— Although the early settlers on each 
side of Tonawanda Creek had provided accommodations in their rude 
log huts for a dozen years prior, it was not until the canal develop- 
ments of 1823 that there were any pretentions to forming a village. 
Early in that year -Judge Samuel Wilkeson and Dr. Ebenezer -Johnson, 
with a large force of men, began the building of a dam across Tona- 
wanda Creek to make the stream, as now, a portion of the canal. They 
also contracted to build three-fourths of a mile of the canal. A toll 
bridge was built under their supervision and a store opened up on the 
South side. During the years 1823-4 the operations on the canal made 
Tonawanda a bustling village, most of the canal shanties having been 
on the south side of the creek. Geo. Goundry, of Geneva, with James 
and John Sweeney, of Buffalo, became the first real estate agents of the 
place, offering lots for sale, through a well-worded hand bill, under date 
of July 5th, 1824. Four years later Mr. James Sweeney erected the 
first frame dwelling in North Tonawanda, and prepared the way for 
the sale of village lots. While the canal was in progress, business was 
brisk at the new village; but in the autumn of 1825 the temporary ex- 
citement subsided and but little permanent development was made for 



18 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

many years afterward. The late Urial Driggs opened, in 1827, another 
store on the south side which continued as a permanent landmark. 
The town of Tonawanda, organized in 1836, comprised its present area 
and Grand Island, as well. The latter was made a separate town in 1852. 

The supervisors of Tonawanda township were as follows : Wm. 
Williams, 1836; J. H. Lathrop, '39; T. W. Woolson, '40 and '51 to 54; 
Jas. Carney, '46 ; J. H. Phillips, '48 ; Warren Moulton, '55 ; Paul Rob- 
erts, '57 ; Chris. Schwinger, '59 and '71 ; E. Hensler, '60 ; David Koh- 
ler, '62; Benj. H. Long, '64 an(^ '70; Fred. Knothe, '66 and '72; S. G. 
Johnson, '68 ; Wm. Kibler, '74 ; J. H. DeGraff, '75 and '81 ; Philip 
Wendell, '76 ; A. B. Williams, '77 ; O. H. Gorton, '79 ; J. R. Hoi way, 
'83, and James B. Zimmerman, the present incumbent, elected in '87. 
J. G. Hubman, the town clerk, will have mention in our mercantile 
pages. 

The plat on which Tonawanda is located was purchased from 
the Holland Company by a Mr, Huntington, of Rome, N. Y., who, 
about the time of the canal developments, sold to Wm. Williams, his 
son-in-law, who came on to develop the same. 

Wheatfield Town was taken from Niagara May 12, 1836, and its 
supervisors have been, Benj. McNitt, 1837 ; N. M. Ward, '38, '43, '46, 
'58 ; Wm. Vandervoort, '39 ; John Sweeney, '40 ; Isaac L. Young, '42 
Lewis S. Payne, '44-5, '47-8, '50, '59 '61, '76 ; Sylvester McNitt, '49, '52 
Seth F. Roberts, '51 ; Peter Greiner, '53-4 ; Joseph Hawbecker, '55 ; G 
W. Sherman, '56-7, '63-6 ; P. Schmeck, '62 ; H. H. Griffin, '67, '69 
James Carney, '68 ; Edward A. Milliman, '70 ; J. D. Loveland, '71-3 
T. C. Collins, '75 ; Chris. Fritz, '77-8 ; Chas. Kandt, ^O-'Sl ; Dan'i Sy, 
'82 ; C. F. Goerss, '83 ; Peter Heim, '84-8 ; Chauncey Wichterman, the 
present incumbent, was elected in 1889 and is now serving his third 
term. He is a farmer, residing in the village of Shawnee, this township, 
and a veteran of the late war. Chas Hagen, the present clerk, has served 
the town in this capacity for seventeen years past, which is suflScient 
recommendation of his ability. Mr. Hagen was a veteran of Co. D, 
lOOth N. Y. Vols. He serves as notary as well as town clerk. 

THE PRESS. — A fair share of the success of every growing 
cit}^ is attributable to the push and enterprise of its local journals. The 
home daily or weekly is expected not only to give the general and 
neighborhood news, but to champion every progreessive movement 
and unhesitatingly attack any foe to public welfare. The nearness to 
Buffalo has prevented the place from being a desirable newspaper field. 
The first attempt at publishing a paper in Tonawanda, so far as we can 
learn, was by Mr. S. Hoyt, who issued the first number of a nicely 
printed and well edited six-column journal, called the Tonawanda 
Commercial, on May 2d, 1850. The project was started in anticipation 
of the business to be secured from the Cleveland Commercial Co., which 
had platted considerable land in this place. A line of steamers, eleva- 
tor building and warehouses were under way and Mr. Hoyt thought it 
time for a newspaper. The Commercial lived but little more than a 
year. It was followed in September, 1853, by the Niagara River Pilots 



OF THE LUMBER CITY, 19 

S. S. Packard, editor, the press having been presented by the Cleveland 
Com. Co., in aid of the enterprise. In 1855 Mr. Packard's interest was 
purchased by S. 0. Hayward who, in November, 1857, started the Ni- 
agara Frontier, he, at this time, being telegraph operator, town and 
village clerk, as well as editor. About January, 1860, the plant came 
into the charge of G. W. Maxon, who had been an assistant engineer 
on the canal enlargement, but as he failed to pay for the same, a year 
later, the office reverted to Mr. Hayward. Mr. H. spent some years on 
the Pacific coast, and published a paper at North East, Pa., before re- 
turning to the field here, but in 1871* he commenced the Enterprise, 
which was suspended a couple of years ago, although the office is still 
in statu quo. Mr. Hayward holds a position in the office of the Auburn 
State Prison. 

THE TONAWANDA HERALD 

was commenced July 19th, 1875, by Jay Densmore, and a year or two 
later became the property of Warren & O'Regan. On Oct. 14th, 1877, 
T. M. Chapman bought out John O'Regan, and in 1880 Geo. Warren 
sold his interest to T. E. Warner, when the firm became Chapman & 
Warner, which it still remains. Both members of the firm are practical 
printers of long experience, have a good job office, and a well established 
circulation for the weekly. For six months of 1890 a neat six-column 
daily was printed, when it was discontinued, the effi)rts of the office being 
now concentrated in bringing out a good Democratic weekly paper with 
a German department in connection. From the files of the Herald the 
historian has collated lumber statistics and other valuable information. 

THE DAILY NEWS. 

J. A. L. Fisher, in 1875, commenced the publication of the Index, and 
some five years later Geo. S. Hobbie, an employe of the Index office, 
started the Daily Neivs, a diminutive two-column sheet. The Daily 
rapidly gained in popular favor. Mr. Hobbie purchased Mr. Fisher's 
interest and discontinued the Index. The evening paper was enlarged 
in a few months and again in 1882. Geo. W. Tong became a partner in 
1884, but he and Mr. Hobbie both becoming connected with Dr. Hayes' 
Asthmatics Institute, changed the publication of their paper to a weekly 
edition, calling it the Standard, which was leased to J. W. Works in 1886. 
The next year Mr. Works resumed the publication of the Daily Neivs in 
an enlarged and rejuvenated form, discontinuing the weekly publication. 
Arthur Works became a member of the firm in 1887 and the plant was 
purchased by the Works Brothers. A live daily paper is an actual neces- 
sity to any growing city, and with a good jobbing department the Daily 
News office is prepared to satisfy every reasonable demand of its patrons 
in the printing line. The daily has recently been enlarged to seven 
columns. 

THE PRESS JOBBING OFFICE. 

A. E. Bishop, a job printer, began the Tonawandan in 1888, and a 
short time afterwards was seconded in the undertaking by C. H. Drew, 
and the name was changed to the Tonawanda Press. J. H. Meahl and' 
E. M. Krauss held the plant under lease for a short time when it was 



20 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

purchased Sept. 1, 1890, by Frank L. Lane. Mr. Lane was joined in the 
enterprise, four months later, by his brother A. F. Lane, also a practical 
printer, and with May 8th of the present year the Press was discontinued 
in order to give their entire attention to commercial and pamphlet job 
printing. Messrs. F. L. & A. F. Lane are turning out some ver}' neat 
work from their office. 

AGED RESIDENTS —James Carney, now in declining health, 
commenced life March 23, 1800, and when sixteen 3'ears of age came 
with his father to Tonawanda Island. In 1824 Judge Samuel Wilke- 
son, as the agent of the elder Carney, went to Albany to purchase the 
Island ; but Samuel Leggate, of New York, became the purchaser, at 
$23 per acre, as the Jews at that time were planning to found the "City 
of Ararat" on Grand Island, a bubble which soon after burst. Mr. 
James Carney led a long and active life in this vicinit}', and died Aug. 
6th, 1891, since above was in type. 

Hon. John Sivison. — One of the most generous men, active in every 
good word and work, in this vicinity, is the venerable John Simson, 
born May 19, 1803, who is still engaged in overseeing the farm, a mile 
southeast of Tonawanda village, where his father located in 1811. He 
gives a graphic description of the clever ruse played by the sixteen 
soldiers, together with the boys and men of this vicinity, who, (when 
several hundred Indians had crossed Grand Island, from Canada, to 
attack this place, in 1813,) marched around in squads, first with coats 
off, then on, then wrong side out, etc., conveying the idea to the enemy 
that a large body of men were here. In 1840 Mr. John Simson erected 
a saw mill, and frequent mention will be found of him in the history of 
churches, schools, etc. He was a member of the New York Legislature 
in 1872, and the Lumber City owes much of its prosperity to move- 
ments started or encouraged by Mr. Simson. 

Edward Heffrtm, who is probably the oldest citizen in Tonawanda, 
was born in Ireland August 25, 1797. He has resided in this place 
since 1850. Mr. H. resides with his son Michael, who is a successful 
boat builder and carpenter at No. 122 Delaware street. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Walters, has been a resident of Tonawanda for 57 
years past, she having been born in November, 1799. Mrs. Walters is 
rapidly declining at this writing and may not be alive when this book 
appears before the public. She has eight children living. 

There are a number of foreign-born citizens in the Lumber City 
about 90 years of age, but lack of space forbids further mention. 

In reviewing the hardships and privations that these early pioneers 
must have endured to withstand the savage beasts and savage men and 
lay the foundations of civilization with all incumbent blessings, a feel- 
ing of reverence comes over us and we can only take the hand of those 
aged veterans and gaze upon the work they have accomplished with 
the most profound respect. We find much embraced in their personal 
history that would interest the general reader if space would permit, 
but the bounds of the present article and the important pressing present 
forbid our enlarging on these early scenes, and we pass on to the con- 
sideration of other matters. 



OP THE LUMBER CITY. 21 

The present generation might derive an instructive moral lesson 
by contrasting the privations and discomforts which beset the first 
settlers with the happy circumstances by which we are surrounded ; 
such a contrast should inspire the latter with feelings of gratitude for 
the blessings which they now enjoy, and should stifle the dispositio;i 
to complain, which has become almost as chronic with us as it vvas 
with the ancient people who were fed with bread from heaven. 

In the social customs of our day it may be doubted whether we 
have made any improvements upon those of our ancestors. In those 
days friends and neighbors could meet together and enjoy themselves, 
and with hearty good will enter into the spirit of social m^tgnetism. 
The old and young could then spend evening after evening arc^und the 
fireside with pleasure and profit ; there was a geniality of manner-, and 
a corresponding depth of soul to which modern society is unaccustom\ed. 

VILLAGE GOVERNMENT— The first election of officers of tht, 
village was held on the 29th of December, 1853, at which the following 
officers were chosen : John R. Wheeler, T. W. Woolson, Henry Hill, 
Henry P. Smith and Jesse F. Locke, trustees ; Elijah Cooley, Gideon 
Hulbert and Thos. J. Keith, assessors ; F. T. McCuller, clerk ; Hiram 
Newell, treasurer ; Wm. Hay, collector, and Levi Wait, pound master. 

The village was incorporated on the 7th day of January, 1854, 
with four wards, one of which was on the north side of the creek. John 
R. Wheeler was chosen chairman of the board by his associate trustees 
and was succeeded as president of the village by T. W. Woolson, who 
officiated in 1855; G. W. Sherman, '56; Hiram Newell, '57; Wm. T. 
Bush, '58-9; B. H. Long, '60-1, '65; Selden G. Johnson, '62-3; Warren 
Driggs, '64 ; Daniel Bellinger, '66 ; Joseph Bliss, '67-8 ; Dr. F. F. Hoyer, 
'69; A. B. Williams, '70-1, '84-5-6 ; J. S. Bliss, '72, '75-6-7, and '80; 0. 
H. Gorton, '73, 78 ; M. Hickle, '74 ; Wm. Hardleben, '79 ; A. A. Bel- 
linger, '81, '87-8; Joseph Holway, '82; Chas. W. Sickmon, '83; Adam 
Schuler, '89; J no. K. Patton, '90, and A. H. Crown, the present incum- 
bent who will have mention in another article. 

The trustees for this year are : M. Scanlon, H. J. Koenig, John 
Kiphuth, Jas. Mullhall, H. S. Wende, W. A. Gardei, E. H. Rogers, 
Wm. Schwartz ; Martin Riesterer, J. M. Hubman and Theo. Hardleben, 
assessors; N. Lockman, street commissioner; Dan'l Grant, collector; 
Louis Green, treasurer, and Fayette A. Ballard, clerk. Mr. B. was 
born in New Orleans. His father having been a native of this state, 
he visited New York and located here some twenty years ago. He was 
for several years manager of the brick yard and later served as assistant 
postmaster. The Tonawanda police are Louis Haines, chief, with Chas. 
Gagnon, John Welch and John McCormick, patrolmen. The population 
in Tonawanda village is about 9,000. 

NORTH TONAWANDA INCORPORATED.— Tonawanda village 
originally comprised four wards, one of which was on the north side of 
Tonawanda Creek. This withdrew from the corporation in 1857, and 
for eight years was simply a part of the town of Wheatfield. Early in 
1865 a petition was signed for the incorporation of the "village of 



22 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

Wheatfield." The plat as surveyed, contained 681 acres, with a popula- 
tion on March 16th 1865, of 440 persons. It was finally incorporated 
May 8th of that year, under the name of North Tonawanda. The 
growth within the past decade has been little less than marvelous. The 
cori^oration limits were recently greatly extended, and a systematic 
(.j^i^ffj^eration taken in July, for school purposes, adding the Martinsville 
and Sa^y^r's Station district, makes about 9,000 within the present cor- 
poration °^ North Tonawanda. 

TliJ' first Board of Trustees, after the village incorporation, were 
David EqI^^*^^^^' J^^cob Becker, Alex G. Kent, Clark Ransom, and Geo. 
W. Sher"*^''^^' ^^^ officiated as chairman. Jas. Carney was elected 
preside''^^ of the village in 1868 ; Franklin Warren, '69, 72-3, 76; Jno. 
M Tziockwell, '70; A. G. Kent, '71; C. W. Watkins, '74-5, 77-8; T. S. 
Fp^ssett, '79 ; Alex McBain, '80 ; Jno. Taylor, '81-2 ; Wm. Gombert, '83 ; 
rJonrad Backer, '84 ; J. S. Thompson, '85-7 ; Fred Sommer, '88-9 ; 
Joseph Pitts, '90 ; and B. F. Felton, the present incumbent, in '91. 
Until the recent extension of the city, Mr. Felton has resided just out- 
side of the corporate limits, but has for fifteen years past been foremost 
in school work, and as President of the incorporation, bears his honors 
easily. T. E. Warner, Clerk of the Board, is one of the well known 
proprietors of the Herald. 

Tlie Town Hall is a well constructed brick, having Council rooms 
on second floor, jail and apartments for fire apparatus below, and hose 
and lookout tower in connection. It was erected in 1874, at a cost of 
about 85,000. 

The Police Force, — For some time after the incorporation, Freder- 
ick Bishop was chief and all hands, but as North Tonawanda grew, ad- 
ditional force was required. Chas. C. Kohler, an old resident of the 
Lumber City, is the present efficient chief. He is assisted by patrolmen 
John Ryan, Thos. A, Tunis, James Smith, John Miller, and C. H. 
Proefrock. Our laborers being largely of a civil, well-behaved make up, 
this small force have been able to meet the police demands to the pre- 
sent time, but our rapid increase in population will doubtless soon 
necessitate additional patrolmen. 

The Fire Protection. — The fire protection service of the Lumber 
City is seldom equalled in a place of 20,000 inhabitants. The two sides 
have over a dozen well equipped companies, convenient and well kept 
buildings, several thousand feet of hose, two full hook and ladder equip- 
ments, and two engines. The Holly Water System gives the requisite 
pressure during an emergency, and the firemen of both sides act in con- 
cert. Although the city is virtually covered with lumber and inflamma- 
ble material, destructive fires have been of very rare occurrence. 

The Tonawanda Board of health is B. F. Betts, George Hardleben 
and H. Bucher, efficient public spirited men who are looking after the 
best interests of the place. On the north side the Board is made up of 
Jno. G. Paul, President; J. H. Barnard, Secretary; Wm. C. Long, Wm. 
P. Hayes, and Robt. W. Cramer. Dr. A. W. Jayne has officiated as 
health officer for two years past, and a thorough inspection has been 
made from house to house. In the section where wells have been con- 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 23 

demned and the city water put in, typhoid fever has been practically 
eradicated. The death rate in the Lumber City has been below the 
average for cities of this size, and with the more general introduction of 
sewerage, and city water for domestic use, the mortality statistics will 
doubtless show an advantage over the past. 

The North Tonawanda Cemetery Association was incorporated in 
1868 by B. F. Felton, G. L. Judd, Franklin Warren, Hiram Newell, S. G. 
Johnson, and John Simson. It was then placed at a convenient distance 
from the village, but the rapid growth of the past few years has sur- 
rounded it with development and will soon place the cemetery in the 
heart of the city. It is neatly kept, and makes a beautiful resting 
place for the remains of the dead. 

MODERN CITY.— During the last few years few of the third 
class cities of New York have shown such remarkable growth and solid 
prosperity as exhibited by the Lumber City. It has suddenly entered 
upon an era of development in every direction, unfolding and strength- 
ening steadily and rapidly, and many signs indicate that its progress has 
but begun, and that the next season will bring to it still greater improve- 
ment than any past year has seen. The recent growth is not like that 
sudden wild-cat leap which westerners call a " boom," which in a few 
weeks or months create a panic of improvement, investment and specu- 
lation, and then, having reached its highest possible tension, like a gi- 
gantic, gorgeous, brilliant soap-bubble, bursts into frothy nothingness. 
No one can inspect the improvements in this city without being con- 
vinced that there is a solid basis of endurance in the development, that 
the evolution is a natural and healthy one, and that its strongest and 
greatest manifestations have not yet been realized. 

The Lumber City possesses, in its surrounding country, in its topo- 
graphical situation, in the manner in which it is laid out, in its trans- 
portation facilities, in the broad and liberal spirit in which its public 
works are being planned, and in numerous other respects, nearly all the 
imaginable qualifications for a substantial and wealthy city. 

The situation ot this city is excellent in every way. It lies in the 
midst of a fertile country, and is surrounded by fine farms, held by an 
industrious, intelligent and thrifty farming population. The surround- 
ing region is one of the finest agricultural sections of the state. 

The excellency of the city's public and parochial schools and the 
numerous churches of all evangelical denominations render the city a 
pleasant home for all wholove enlightenment and Christian morality. 

HOMES, STREETS, ETC.— On the corner of Webster and Tre- 
mont streets Mr. Geo. P. Smith, one of the leading developers of North 
Tonawanda, has this year erected a towering six-story business block 
which would grace any city in the land. From the top of the elevator 
tower the historian recently spent a half hour in taking a bird's eye view 
of this city and its surrounding. It is a picture worthy the pencil of an 
artist and must be seen to be fully appreciated. Immediately south of 
us lies the Tonawanda Creek, with its canal and bridges, branching a 
half mile above its mouth into Ellicott's Creek, the winding course 



24 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

of which can be traced, curving to the southward and back to an 
easterly direction, so that four miles distant from our point of 
observation it is directly on our line of latitude, Near to it 
on the north, with handsome meadows intervening, lies the Tonawanda 
Creek, in this division forming the Erie Canal, which after running 
eastwardly a couple of miles gracefully curves to the north until it rounds 
Martinsville, and thence to the northeast, leaving the creek a few miles 
further on, which in its upward route goes almost east, while the canal 
takes a northeasterly course to Lockport. Directly to the south, less than 
ten miles distant by air line, stands the Buffalo City Hall, and the smoke 
can be plainly seen from the hundreds of factories at Black Rock and 
intervening points. The beautiful Niagara River in its windings can be 
clearly traced for several miles both north and south. Tonawanda Island, 
a half mile to the west of our position, with its nearly two miles of 
dockage, is completely covered with towering lumber piles, the water 
works and various mills, while the intervening harbor is filled with canal 
boats and other vessels. Looking over Tonawanda Island and the blue 
channel of the Niagara, the edge of Grand Island is seen, but little more 
than a mile from our point of observation. Niagara View Grove and 
Sour Spring Grove show out in all their loveliness, to the southwest, 
with the ferry, Lorelei, steaming between, while down the river a couple 
of miles to the northwest, Wm. H. Fix's Edgewater resort can be plainly 
seen. Buffalo parties have bought this and will erect summer cottages. 

From this elevated position nearly the whole 17,000 acres of Grand 
Island, with its magnificent farms, groves and outing resorts, can be 
traced with the glass, and directly across the point of the island, in a 
northwesterly course, the mist from the plunge of Niagara Falls, eight 
miles distant, can be dimly seen ascending. A mile from our position, 
slightly west of north, stands the towers of the Ironton blast furnace, 
surrounded by the new buildings, constructed since the fire of July 11, 
and a mile farther down the river can be seen the lumber piles, mills and 
developments of the Gratwick district. To the south, within a two-mile 
radius, the shaded streets, church spires and handsome homes of Tona- 
wanda show out in their loveliness, the grounds rising in a gentle incline 
plane on Delaware and other streets in the southeastern portion. Look- 
ing eastward on Goundry and other principal residence streets, our ad- 
miration for the scores of splendid mansions, magnificent lawns and 
beautiful surroundings can scarcely be penned. Wealth and refinement 
are clearly seen, and but few if any cities in the United States of ::iO,000 
inhabitants can show more magnificent mansions, beautiful homes and 
well kept co\;tages than the Lumber City. 

Within the immediate surrounding squares, are found the fine Hotel 
Sheldon, the Erie and N. Y. Central railroad depots, the handsome 
Lumber Exchange and State Bank buildings, the commodious stores, 
hotels, etc., on Webster street, new brick blocks going up, and just across 
the bridge the Rand Bank and new postotfice building, while near the 
corner of Main and Canal streets are the Riesterer, Wolf 's, Gardei, Nice 
& Hinkey, Hamp, and many other elegant business blocks. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 25 

North Tonawanda developments are rapidly spreading to the north 
and east, and the entire acreage between Sawyer's Station, Martinsville, 
Gratwick and the old corporation limits, bids fair to soon be dotted with 
the homes of mechanics, laborers and business men. Within a radius of 
two and one-half miles from our position the present population is very 
nearly 20,000, and being a suburb of Buffalo, with the Niagara Tunnd 
development near our door and electric railways something more than 
talk, it takes a wise philosopher to predict the future. 

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.— In this pamphlet we 
shall set forth some of the Lumber city's claims upon those who propose 
a change of residence or business, and we hope to sufficiently demon- 
strate that, taking it all in all, there are few better locations in the wide 
world for general manufacturing than this city. While the mercantile 
interests of a community are an essential feature, and the professional 
talent a necessary part of a city, it is generally admitted that thriving 
manufacturing industries are the greatest desideratum, and give more 
permanency and rapidity of growth to any place than all other interests 
combined. The merchant brings to us the commodities of commerce 
and is usually generous in dividing his profits to charities and enter- 
prises of public good ; but the legitimate manufacturer opens a perma- 
nent investment for capital at remunerative rates, gives employment to 
the laborers of a community, and enhances the value of all farm products 
in his immediate section. The Lumber City, with her railroad facilities 
and healthy location, offers superior inducements to those who may de- 
sire to make investments within her borders. Lands are cheap, laborers 
plenty, educational advantages of high grade, her citizens noted for their 
culture, hospitality and generous welcome toward good people from 
other states and countries — and with a map of the countr}* before him 
any observer can see how advantageously this city is located with refer- 
ence to the lumber, coal and iron interests. 

Manufacturers, capitalists and those in search of healthful homes in 
a refined and advanced community cannot fail to see the great advan- 
tages which we possess. Hundred?- who, in the emigration excitement 
of the past decade, left this part of New York for homes in the west, 
have realized their mistake and are returning to this section, content 
with its superior advantages. Niagara and Erie counties are becoming 
densely populated, and the surrounding acres can furnish abundance of 
room upon which to build a city as large as New York, without being 
compelled to go up fourteen stories in order to find room enough to stow 
away our inhabitants. This is already a city of homes, in which a con- 
siderable portion of the inhabitants own commodious residences, with 
plenty of breathing space. There is still room to quadruple the popula- 
tion within the present incorporations without serious crowding. 

But we have digressed ; manufacturing is our theme. It is emi- 
nently proper, in a descriptive review of this character, that the men or 
corporations who have really done something, who have ventured their 
time and means to the establishment of industrial work, and liberally 
dispensed their money in our midst for the construction of buildings, 
salary to employes and purchase of mat-rial, should have deserving 



26 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

mention. As these industries use up the raw materials of the country 
at remunerative prices and dispense large amounts in weekly wages, 
which revert to the tills of our merchants and mechanics, the municipality 
can well afford to give them liberal encouragement. On thriving manu- 
facturing industries the growth and continued prosperity of our city 
largely depends, and those who are working for its upbuilding should 
receive due credit. In pages farther over we shall give a separate men- 
tion of our principal manufactories and set forth the features which have 
contributed to their upbuilding. 

The strikes in New York and elsewhere, combined with various 
other causes, have made a depression in the lumber trade, which has been 
felt to some extent in this city, but which will result in our ultimate 
good if we profit by the lesson, which should teach us that diversified 
manufacturing must be looked forward to as the foundation upon which 
to build future developments. The slight check in real estate transac- 
tions is doubtless also a blessing in disguise, in that it would tend to 
discourage unwarranted speculation and place everything upon its real 
merits for future development. But the fact still remains, that notwith- 
standing these temporary checks in development, that there is scarcely 
a square in the city on which improvements of a decided character are 
not going on. New houses, or new store buildings are being erected on 
every street, and nearly all of them are at once occupied by owner or 
tenant. 

The proper thing to do is for all public spirited men to give liberal 
assistance to worthy projects for the general good, and above all to en- 
courage the locating in our midst of any legitimate manufacturing 
enterprise. 

THE LUMBER INTERESTS.— The venerable John Sim- 
son established a saw and planing mill at Tonawanda as early as 1840, 
and through his influence, with others, the Cleveland Commercial Co. 
was induced to locate here about 1849. The company did a business of 
magnitude here, but through the strenuous efforts of Buffalo capitalists 
was induced to remove its principal offices and operations to the larger 
city at the expiration of its lease here, and subsequently the commodi- 
ous elevator here was burned. Tonawanda had, however, gained con- 
siderable notoriety as a shipping point, and, with the revival of business 
subsequent to the war, it became an important lumber centre. Within 
a score of years past the lumber trade has developed to eight times its 
former proportions, and last year reached the momentous figures of 
753,672,000 feet, an amount almost beyond the comprehension of 
the ordinary thinker, and excelled in volume by no city in America 
excepting Chicago. This growth has been as steady as the staple trees 
which furnish this market with raw material, as the following figures, 
compiled by the Herald at the close of last season, will demonstrate : 

The amount of excess of lake receipts alone over those of 1889 was 
42,633,700 feet of lumber, which may fairly be considered as a most 
satisfactory increase, demonstrating very clearly that more lumber is 
coming here every year by the water route, as the suppl}" recedes from 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 27 

the near-by western states, like Michigan. This volume has been largely 
augmented, too, by the advent of several new firms, whose stocks have 
been of no inconsiderable proportions, and their settling down among us 
will continue to keep up the pleasing record for a number of years to 
come. The following statistical table covering 18 years will be found of 
great comparative value, showing lath and shingles as well as lumber 
for each year since 1873 : 

Received by Lake Transportation. snipped by Canal. 

Lumber, feet. Lath, pieces. Shingles, pieces. Lumber, feet. 

1873—104,909,000 1,358,000 1,112,000 80,273,285 

1874-144,754,000 1,506,000 10,822 000 115,752,111 

1875—155.384,805 5,559,200 13,088,500 120,650,792 

1876—207,728,327 6,137,700 18,907,500 165,545,742 

1877—221,897,007 5,126,000 23,249,400 188,400,335 

1878—206,655,122 3,629,300 21,435,500 173,085,467 

1879—250,699,013 5,606,400 30,122,000 206,442,542 

1880-323,370,814 1,249,600 22,920,000 291,000,000 

1881—415,070,913 282,000 24,271,000 328,886,395 

1882—433,241,000 419,000 38,312,000 326,800,681 

1883—398,871,853 6,061,850 55,217,000 324,528,266 

1884—493,268,223 16,367,000 66,185,000 384,455,535 

1885—498,631,000 7,952,000 52,004,000 355,230,391 

1886—505,425,400 11,883,000 52,825,000 347,932,845 

1887—501,237,000 4,096,000 53,435.000 341,925,473 

1888—569,522,850 16,617,000 64,903,0J0 320,149,453 

1889-676.017,200 11,506,000 68,712,000 350,220,300 

1890-*718,650,000 13,039,600 52,232,300 373,569,621 

* Adding to the foregoing imports by lake, the 10,439,000 feet of lumber 
brought by the N. Y. C. & H. R R. R. to this point, and 24,583,000 by the N. 
Y., L. E. & W.. we have the aggregate total receipts, before given, of 753,672,- 
000 feet of lumber. 

In this connection it will perhaps not be out of place to state that 
in addition to the 52,232,300 shingles imported, as per above schedule, 
our local mills manufactured about 100,000,000. Of the former quantity 
one firm alone imported 40,000,000, and of the latter item one local mill 
made 62,000,000. There was also sent by canal shipment 13,186,000 
shingles in 1890 ; 1,258,600 cubic feet of timber ; 233,966,000 pounds of 
stone, and other articles making up a total of 775,729 tons and a total 
valuation of over eleven million dollars. Total clearances issued, 3,655. 
The increase of lumber shipments to eastern points in 1890 was 33,869,- 
300 feet in excess of 1889. 

VESSEL CLEARANCES BY RIVER AND CANAL. 

Following are the reports of receipts at the two customs offices lo- 
cated here, for the season of 1890, as furnished by the obliging officials 
in charge : 

PORT OF NORTH TONAWANDA, NIAGARA DISTRICT. 

Coastwise vessels entered 886 

cleared 886 

Foreign vessels entered 113 

" " cleared 95 

Total vessels entered 999 

cleared 991 



28 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

MERCHANDISE RECEIVED, 1890. 

Lumber, feet 485,365,332 

Shingles, pieces 48,2(;2,300 

Lath, pieces 10,326,600 

Cedar posts 31,670 

Iron ore, tons 25,369 

Duties collected on foreign lumber $57,992.14 

Entered. Cleared. 

Tonnage, domestic 378,313 379.322 

Tonnage, foreign 40,091 38,884 

C. F. GOBRSS, Deputy Collector. 

PORT OF TONA WANDA, BUFFALO CREEK DISTRICT. 

Coastwise vessels entered 339 

cleared 349 

Foreign vessels entered 84 

" cleared 72 

Total vessels entered 423 

" " cleared 421 

MERCHANDISE RECEIVED, 1890. 

Lumber, feet 232,285,677 

Shingles, pieces 3,970,000 

Lath, pieces 2,713,000 

Duties collected on foreign lumber $76,437.29 

Jintered. CJeared. 

Tonnage, domestic 135,594 138,408 

Tonnage, foreign 30,402 22,053 

J. Frank Pinner, Deputy Collector. 

By canal we have already given the report of James Mulhall, col- 
lector of statistics. The above figures clearly demonstrate the right of 
Tonawanda to the appellation of the " Lumber City." The lumber bus- 
iness is the chief industry, but other and more diversified manufactures 
are carried on, and doutless still others will be started. Great care has 
been taken in collecting the above figures, which show the stability of 
the Lumber City's interest in this commodity. 

Ca7ial Foreman. — This section of the Erie canal, for fifteen miles, 
is in charge of David Huff, who was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., 
in 18'^8, his parents having removed to Tonawanda m 1830. For eight 
years past Mr. Huff has been connected with public works. For canal 
repairs he keeps ten or twelve regular employes and ©n special occasions 
has forty or more. 

Congress has appropriated $100,000, which is being expended on 
the improvement of the harbor and river channel, benefitting greatly 
the Lumber City. But trade is not dependent wholly on water trans- 
portation, as the N. Y. Central and the Erie railroads give excellent ac- 
commodations to the local trade, having miles of switches in the various 
yards here. 

TUG AND FERRY BOATS.— In bringing the lumber laden 
schooners to our wharves, moving the timber rafts on canal and river, 
and various other tug service, a dozen tug boats are required. Eight of 
these are formed into the Tug Association, viz : The C. S. Parnell, 
Flossie Thielkie, Michael Davitt, Albert Little, W. H. Gratwick, J. H. 
DeGraff, A. A. Bellinger, and K. P. Lee, ranging in size from 7 to 15 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 29 

tons capacity. This trade works in harmony with the Buffalo Tug As- 
sociation, each having their limit of waters which they traverse. The 
Tonawanda Tug Association was organized three years since. Adam 
Hartman officiates as President; A. H. Crown, as Secretary, and S. C. 
Hosmer, as Collector. 

The Lumber City Tug Line is owned by Michael Dunn and Robt. 
McArthur, and comprises the Thos. Madden, of 7 tons, the L. B. Trow- 
bridge, and Ella B., of smaller size. The R. Dunbar is owned by F. 
Ronaker, and there are two passenger steam canal boats traversing this 
section, from Buffalo to Rochester. 

Ferries, Etc. — The tug Ben Harrison, with attachments, plies as a 
regular ferry between Grand Island and the upper canal bridge at 
Tonawanda, running as often as signalled by passengers or teams, and 
proving of great convenience to the farmers of the Island, or to others 
desiring to communicate between the two places. This is owned by 
Williams & Crown, as is also the fine steam yacht, Lorelei, which makes 
regular trips at convenient hours during the day, between Sour Spring 
Grove and Tonawanda. The yacht Corsair, and accompanying barge 
Irene, is owned by Captain Mago, and can be chartered at any time for 
excursions to the various islands, groves, and places of resort, making 
the desired ports with speed and safety. 

RAILROADS, Etc. — When we review the history of railroads and 
discover that within the memory of many who are now living, there 
was no such thing as railroads proper, cars or locomotives, we are struck 
with intense admiration for the wonderfvil evolution which has been 
developed in machinery, coaches, roads and transportation during the 
past sixty years. 

Tramways and horse car roads were commenced about the begin- 
ning of this century, and as early as 1802, Trevithick took out the 
first patent "for adapting a steam engine to the powers of locomotion," 
although Watts is said to have made a model previously. Several 
other patents were obtained, but none of practical utility, until George 
Stephenson's "Rocket" was built in 1829, and run from Liverpool to 
Manchester, England. This, at that time, wonderful locomotive, 
weighed but 7^ tons, and could draw 44 tons at a speed of 14 miles, 
per hour. In 1830 Peter Cooper built the first American locomotive 
for the Baltimore & Ohio R. R., and the same vear an engine was 
built by E. L. Miller, of New York, for the South Carolina R. R., 
which, in 1833, had 136 miles of main track and continued for several 
years to be the longest railroad in America. 

The Buffalo and Erie Co. was chartered in 1832. A horse car line 
was built from Buffalo to Black Rock in 1834, and in 1836 the Buffalo 
and Niagara Falls Railway was built from Black Rock to Tonawanda. 
A locomotive was first run this 7 miles on August 26th of that year ; 
September 6th, to the Falls, and a month later the 3 miles from Black 
Rock to Buffalo was completed. This road was purchased by the New 
York Central in 1854, heavier rails and bett^-r rolling stock put on. 



30 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

THE NEW YORK CENTRAL AND HUDSON RIVER RAILROAD. 

The Niagara Falls Railroad was purchased by the New York 
Central in 1854, the branch from Tonawanda to Canandaigua, built 
about that time was leased by the New York Central in 1858, and in 
1869 the Hudson River System was added. Other systems have been 
leased from time to time, and branches built until now over 1,500 
miles of road are under the management of this corporation. 

Cornelius Vanderbilt, Sr., was known throughout the civilized 
world as a railroad king, while his son and predecessor, Cornelius Van- 
derbilt, Jr., is scarcely less noted, and Chauncey M. Depew, President 
of the New York Central & Hudson River, has a world wide fame. 

The vice presidents, secretary and officers of the company in 
general have been chosen for their well known railroad ability. The 
entire equipment of the road is first class, the freight and passenger 
service unexcelled, and the Lumber City is fortunate in having the ad- 
vantages possessed through this railroad and its connections. 

From the directors annual reports we glean the following statistics: 
The gross annual earnings for 1890 was about ^38,000,000; operating 
expenses, $25,000,000; taxes, interest on bonds, etc., $8,000,000, giving 
about $5,000,000 for profit, making a 5 per cent, dividend. Of the 
above earnings, $23,000,000 were for freight, $11,000,000 for passenger, 
over a $1,000,000 for mail service, and $2,500,000 from rents, interest, 
etc. Over 21,500 persons were employed in the direct service of this 
road, at an annual cost of $14,000,000. The number of miles trav- 
ersed by passenger trains for 1890 was over 10,000,000; switch and 
working trains 11,500,000, and freights 12,000,000. Nineteen millions 
of passengers carried by this corporation in one year have traveled an 
aggregate distance of 600,000,000 of miles. In all these millions of 
miles traveled by passengers for the year ending June 30, 1890, but 
1 passenger was killed by collission and 9 injured; while from walking 
or sleeping on the tracks, crossing in front of trains, falling ofi" plat- 
forms, and falling under the cars in attempting to get on moving 
trains, an aggregate of 115 were killed, and half as many injured. In 
the army of 21,500 employees about 50 are annually killed and more 
than 200 injured. 

Eighteen million tons of freight has been handled, which has trav- 
eled an aggregate distance for one ton of 3,200 millions of miles. Of 
the above freight, coal and coke make up 3,887,141 tons; iron, steel and 
ore, 786,853 ; lumber, 1,441,706 ; live stock, 1,233,577 ; grain, 2,031,531 ; 
merchandise and manufactured articles, 4,553,864; flour, 725,750 tons. 

R. W. Gardner, of Buffalo, has for a year officiated as station agent 
at North Tonawanda. He is assisted by Wm. C. Fowler, cashier ; J. 
M. Johnson, biller ; Geo. Lund, John Stoll, Chas. Buchhart and J. F. Jen- 
zen, clerks ; Wm. Love and S. J. Purcell, yard masters, together with 
4 switch engines and their crews, and several other laborers, handling 
for shipment from 50 to 75 cars of rough and dressed lumber, doors, 
sash, pig-iron, etc., daily. There are five local freights each way, be- 
sides numerous extras and through freights. The lumber shipped from 
here in 1890 by the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. amounted to 211,342 tons. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 31 

The passenger service is unexcelled, giving 21 daily trains to 
Buffalo ; 15 to Niagara Falls ; 7 to Lockport, and 2 to Batavia, besides 
through connections with West Shore and Michigan Central trains. 
Herbert E, Shaffer is ticket agent, assisted by his wife, and Jerome 
Gibbs as night agent. 

All the shipping and freight business is transacted in North Tona- 
wanda. But a half dozen years since the growing travel from this city 
made better passenger accommodations an imperative necessity, and a 
neat brick depot was erected in Tonawanda, on a handsome triangle 
where it is neatly ensconced by elegant shade trees. 

L. L. Bevier, the agent, is a native of this State, and for half a 
dozen years past in the employ of the N. Y. C. He is assisted by A. L. 
Edwards, baggageman, a native of Tonawanda. 

NEW YORK, LAKE ERIE & WESTERN RAILROAD. 

The original Charter for the Erie Railway was granted in 1837, but 
the financial crisis coming on, it was about five years before the first sec- 
tion of 46 miles, Piermont to Goshen, was in active operation. It was 
extended to Port Jervis and Susquehanna in 1846-8. A year later it 
was decided to complete the line to Lake Erie as soon as possible, and H. 
G. Brooks, late president of the Brooks Locomotive Works, of Dunkirk, 
was sent with a locomotive via of Erie Canal and schooner to Dunkirk, 
where he arrived November 28th, 1850, (after a two months journey), to 
take charge of a construction train on the west end. The lines of the 
Erie system have been extended from time to time, until it is now a great 
through system from New York to Chicago, with many important 
branches covering an aggregate of 1,820 miles. 

When the Erie first began its work for the public the whole railway 
service of the world was about 5,000 miles, while to-day it foots up the 
grand total of 170,000 miles in the United States alone. Illinois having 
10,000 miles, Kansas, 8,800, and Texas, 8,350. Travel by rail was then 
very limited, now we find the number of miles made by all passengers in 
the United States to aggregate in a single year over 11,000,000,000, and 
the tonnage of freight business to equal the moving of 70,000,000,000 of 
tons one mile. 

The General Offices are at New York. John King, President, and 
W. C. Eienearson, General Passenger Agent, with a full corps of efficient 
officers in all directions. 

D. V. Hibbard, the agent at North Tonawanda, came from War- 
saw, N. Y., some 3 years since, and is an experienced railroad man. 
His office assistants are : W. J. Kearney, biller ; C. G. Thoman, cash- 
ier ; W. C. Rossow, car clerk ; D. E. Thomas and E. R. Day, operators ; 
J. W. Heffron, baggage. Two switch engines and their crews, and 
several other assistants, go to make up the local working force. 

Twelve regular passenger trains to Buffalo, 4 each way to Lockport, 
and to the Falls via the Erie, assist in making a very complete service 
for the Lumber City. The Erie will also build a new passenger depot 
in Tonawanda, where a site has recently been purchased near the East- 
ern Lumber Company's plant. 



32 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

AMERICAN EXPRESS. 

The business of carrying small packages was begun in 1840, by W. 
F. Harnden, and spread in its development to the express trade, which 
now has for its motto, "speed and safety," receiving packages of any 
reasonable size or weight. The American Express commenced business 
about the middle of the present century and has ever kept abreast of the 
times, adding new lines and new offices as fast as the contingencies of the 
case demanded, until it now has 5,500 offices and covers some 40,000 
miles of railroad and steamship lines. The money orders of this com- 
pany are convenient, cheap, and safe, while its commission purchase sys- 
tem is very popular with those who have investigated. 

C. I. Watson, recently of Buffalo, who has been 15 years with the 
American, has charge of the business in this city, and is a courteous and 
obliging official. He is assisted in the office by A. D. Parker. A. C. 
Wall attends the numerous trains and the delivery of packages. 

The Wells Fargo Express was started in 1852, and does a similar 
business to the American. The office here is kept at the Erie depot, by 
D. V. Hibbard, with C. 0. Browning as assistant. 

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH. 

This company was formed in 1854, by the consolidation of three 
other companies, then doing business in the United States. The West- 
ern Union now owns or controls nearly 200,000 miles of poles, having 
three times as great a length of wire, and over 16,000 offices. It annual- 
ly transmits over 50 millions of messages, which are handled by about 
22,000 operators, nearly half of whom are in railroad employ, as well as 
operating. The Western Union has transacted business here ever since 
the year of its organization. 

The Postal Telegraph was started about ten years since, and has be- 
come a healthy rival of the Western Union. An office was located here 
about a half dozen years since. It is in charge of our townsman and 
druggist, E. H. Worden. 

THE BELL TELEPHONE CO. 

The inventions of the present century have been very great, and, 
perhaps, two of the most important and most marvelous are the tele- 
phone and electric light. These electrical outgrowths, which were hardly 
mentioned in the census reports of 1880, now show investments of many 
millions of dollars in the manufacture of their various requirements, and 
many thousands of people employed in their management. 

The telephone organization of Western New York started in June, 
1879, and the number of subscribers and miles of wire has steadily in- 
creased since that time. The connections comprise about seventy-five 
cities and towns in the seven counties of Erie, Wyoming, Livingston, 
Niagara, Orleans, Genesee and Monroe, also connected with the principal 
eastern cities through long distance telephone. 

G. J. Stackhouse, the manager here, has been a resident of Tona- 
wanda for twenty one years. Wm. Conzelman is assistant, with Lena 
Seyler and Rose Lockman as operators. About 160 instruments are 
in use in the Lumber City. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 33 

BANKING INTERESTS.— The banking interests of a com- 
munity are of great importance to the general welfare, and the standing ot 
the men at the head of these institutions is a matter which concerns every 
person of this city. While the speculative disposition on the part of the 
officers would lead a banking establishment into trouble, the unnecessa- 
rily exacting, penurious, or spirit of aggrandizement, on the other hand 
would lead to ojDpression, distrust and linancial stricture among the 
masses. It must therefore require very nicely balanced heads to satis- 
factorily and successfully look after the monied interests of a town, and 
in this respect the Lumber City is fortunate in having good talent. We 
shall not attempt to individualize, as we can conscientiously refer to the 
banking officers of the city en masse as a strictly honorable, conservative 
and enterprising set of men. 

All the banks here are backed by plenty of capital, judiciously 
managed, and a suspicion of unsoundness in any respect has never 
rested upon them. This condition of matters adds largely to the gener- 
al standing of the Lumber City with the outside world, as speculative or 
unsound banking institutions disturb the usual equanimity of a city, 
and cause mercantile or manufacturing disaster. 

THE STATE BANK 

Nearly sixty years ago a branch bank was started in Tonawanda, 
the Niagara River Bank having survived a score of years, and 
several subsequent attempts were made in banking, but none of 
permanent duration until June 1, 1872, when Edward Evans, a mem- 
ber of the extensive lumber firm of Evans, Killmaster & Co., organized 
the banking house of the same name. Mr. Evans was a shrewd finan- 
cier and under his supervision as president, assisted by Wm. McLaren 
as cashier, the bank met with gratifying success. After the death of 
H. .J. Killmaster the firm was re-organized as Evans, Schwiuger & Co., 
May 1, 1877, with .James H. DeGraff, president ; E. Evans, vice i^resi- 
dent, and Wm. McLaren cashiel', continuing to do business under this 
firm style, with increasing success, for six years. The State Bank 
was organized May 1, 1883, with -Jas. H. DeGrafF, pres. ; E. Evans, 
vice pres. ; Benj. L. Rand, cashier, and Wm. McLaren assistant cashier. 
Its paid in capital stock was placed at $100,000, and having men of 
large experience at its head its success was assured from the start. 

The present capital, undivided profits, and surplus of this bank is 
about $165,000, and with an average line of deposits amounting to 
$200,000, the State Bank is able to meet all the requirements of its 
numerous customers. 

The executive officers are J. H. DeGraff, president ; C. Schwinger, 
vice-president ; Benj. L. Rand, cashier, and H. P. Smith, assistant, all 
well known in business circles. 

THE LUMBER EXCHANGE BANK 

Was organized on the 1st of May, 188G, with a capital of $100,000; Ed- 
ward Evans, president ; Joshua S. Bliss, vice president ; Jas. H. Rand, 
cashier, and Wm. McLaren assistant cashier. The success of the insti- 
tution soon warranted the doubling of its capital, which was consum- 



34 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

mated in 1889. In March, 1890, Mr. Evans sold liis stock to Jas. H. 
Eand and retired with his well earned laurels, although he continues as 
a successful dealer in lumber and real estate. James S. Thompson, the 
president of the Lumber Exchange Bank, is a life-long ressident of this 
place, having been in the lumber trade since 1885 and connected with 
the Lumber Exchange Bank from its start. He was selected as the 
president of the bank in May, 1890. Joshua S. Bliss, vice president, is 
an extensive timber and shingle dealer, under which heading he will 
have further mention. He is president of the Union Bank, of Buffalo 
James H. Eand, cashier, is a native of North 'J'onawanda, and has been 
connected with the banking business ever since the completion of his 
preparatory education. He is a heavy stockholder in the concern, and 
although comparatively a young man, has for years past held the respon- 
sible position of cashier, with the entire confidence of the community. 
Wm. McLaren, assistant cashier, is a native of Ontario, was cashier of 
the Evans, Kilmaster & Co. Bank, at its start in 1873, and has officiated 
in a similar position from that time to the present. F. Robertson has 
been for four years connected with the Lumber Exchange Bank, and 
was recently promoted from teller to second assistant cashier. 

The capital stock of this bank is $200,000, and present surplus about 
$30,000. The average deposits range nearly $200, uOO. The bank was 
formerly kept in the Evans building, but in 1890 moved into the pre- 
sent handsome three story brick building. The directors are, Jas. S. 
Thompson, Joshua S; Bliss, Geo. P. Smith, P. S Humphrey. Everett 
B. Simson, Franklin Batt, Alfred C. Tuxbury, John W. Robinscn, and 
Jas. H. Rand. 

THE GERMAN-AMERICAN BANK. 

Twenty years ago the banking business of this place was all done at 
Buffalo or Lockport, our capitalists being wary of a banking investment 
in the Lumber City. After the ice was broken, however, it was clearly 
demonstrated that our monied transactions could be better done at home, 
and as no bank here has paid less than six percent, annual dividends the 
stock is considered desirable property. Martin Riesterer, believing that 
a third bank could be successful here, induced others to join him and 
the German- American w^as commenced August 6, 1888, with a capital of 
$35,000. It met with popular patronage and in June, 1889, the capital 
stock was raised to $100,000. January 28th, of the current year, it was 
doubled, making the present capital $200,000 while the surplus and un- 
divided profits add $50,000 more. Drafts are drawn by the German- 
American on the principal cities of the world and its large collection 
business is a prominent feature. It is a depository for both state and 
municipal funds. 

Martin Riesterer, the president, a native of Heideisheim, Germany, 
has been a resident of Tonawanda for over forty years and actively en- 
gaged in business enterprises, as well as prominent in the official man- 
ac^ement of the village affairs. He is an able financier, as his success in 
business has demonstrated. John E. Oelkers, first vice president, is a 
prominent grocer on Webster street and Avill have mention in our mer- 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 35 

cautile pages. Miles Ayraiilt, second vice president, is a staunch manu- 
facturer, engaged in the construction of water pipe, under which heading 
he will have proper notice. Edw. G. Riesterer, tne cashier, was born in 
Tonawanda, and is a son of President Eiesterer. He was early taught 
business habits and about ten years since graduated from the Bryant & 
Stratton Business College, of Buffalo, After spending some years as 
canal collector he was for a time associated with the business house of P. 
W. Scribner from which he retired on account of illness, and, recovering 
about the time of the German- American organization, he was made cashier. 
Nicholas Beckrich, Herman V. Berger and George C. Hollister, all well 
known business men, are directors in addition to the above, while Wm. L. 
iSommer acts as assistant cashier, W. C Ayrault, teller and C. J. Miller, 
olerk Thus capitalized and officered the German-American bank is 
doing its full share of business, average deposits ranging 1300,000. 

George F. Rand started a private bank in 1890 and has done a good 
business. He has recently moved to the convenient quarters, where the 
postoffice was formerly kept, in the Lumber Exchange block, and which 
has been very nicely fitted up. Mr. Rand is assisted by D. \V. Smith as 
teller and A. W. Perrigo as bookkeeper. 

SOCIAL SOCIETIES, ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.— While the edu- 
cational and religious features of a place have due weight with the 
intelligent prospective settler, the secret societies, or other social attrac- 
tions, are a matter to which much importance is attached b}^ some per- 
sons, and we shall herewith show some of Tonawanda's advantages 
from a social and moral aspect. 

The Crusaders, or Knights of the Temple, which were organized in 
1096 with the avowed intent of wresting .Jerusalem and the Hoh' Land 
from the hands of the Turk, w^as the earliest modern secret societ}' of 
which we have authentic record. This organization at once assumed a 
military character and many thousands of lives were sacrificed in what 
was considered to be a religious cause. 

ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. 

Free Masonry has its rites and ceremonies founded upon the tradi- 
ditions of the building of King Solomon's Temple, and some of its 
devotees claim for it a continued existence among skilled operative 
Masons from that time to the present date, but its origin may be said 
to have been lost in remote antiquit3^ It is undoubtedly an ancient 
and respectable institution, embracing among its members men of 
every rank and condition of life, and stands prominent among the 
institutions established for the improvement of mankind. It is said 
that ancient Master Masons met at York, A. D. 926, and at least one 
Scottish lodge has written records extending back to 1599. Elias Ash- 
mole in 1664 gave in his diary an account of his initiation into the 
society. Twenty years later, after the great London fire, Sir Christo- 
pher Wren, then grand master of the order in that city, secured prompt 
financial aid for the suffering Masons, and the society flourished, ac- 
cepting from time to time princes, potentates and rulers, as honorary- 
members, who had not been proficient in operative work. In 1702 St. 



36 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

Paul's lodge of London, then the only active Masonic society in exist- 
ence, dropped the operative restriction and agreed to accept as a candi- 
date any man, free born, of mature age, moral character, sound body, 
and under the tongue of good Masonic report. In 1717 four lodges 
united to form the Grand Lodge of England, and from this the advent 
of speculative Free Masonry may properly be dated. It soon spread to 
France and other countries of the continent, and in 1733 was intro- 
duced into America. Washington organized and conducted American 
Union Lodge No. 1 in the Colonial army. At present there is no 
country on the civilized globe in which it has not gained a foothold, 
and its membership exceeds 3,000,000, numbering in its ranks many 
of the most celebrated men of the age, covering all shades of religious 
and political beliefs. 

Tonaivanda Lodfje No. 2Jf7, F. tC' A. M., Was commenced under dis- 
pensation in 18il and chartered in 1852, with Emanuel Hensjer as 
first Master. The living Past Masters are : Franklin Warren, B. F. 
Betts, Clark Pvanson, A. R. White, G. L. Judd, A. B. Williams, A. H. 
Crown, J. S. Bliss, A. A. Bellinger, W. R. Gregory, G. W. Millener, L. 
G. Stanley and R. A. Pierce, Of the original charter members, Erastus 
Jacobs is the only one now living. Upon the suspension of the old 
Odd Fellows lodge the Masons purchased their hall furniture and in 
1886 removed to the Riesterer block which is well furnished and 
adapted to their use. The present officers are : E. C. McDonald, W. 
M. ; T. E. Warner, S. W. ; R. W. Cramer, J; W. ; Stillman C. Woodruff, 
Sec'y, and A. C. Campbell, Treasurer. 

Tonav:anda Chapter, Xo. 378, B. A. M. Avas organized April, 1884^ 
and chartered February, 1885. The first Council under the charter, 
was composed of Andrew R. Trew, H. P. ; William R. Gregory, King, 
and Lyman G. Stanley, Scribe. After the death of Andrew R. Trew, 
which occurred before his term expired, Wm. R. Gregory was made 
High Priest, and held the office for three years. He was succeeded 
by Lyman G. Stanley, who served two years. The present High 
Priest is Rev. J. H. Barnard, rector of St. Mark's church; Dr. R. C. 
Taber, Scribe. The Chapter meets first and third Tuesdays. 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 

A society of the Ancient and Honorable Loyal Odd Fellows was 
formed about the beginning of the present century, and from its fantas- 
tic and convivial character was probably originated as a burlesque on 
the Free Masons, but in 1812 some of the brotherhood at Manchester, 
England, conceived a plan for the continuance of the order on noble 
and lasting principles — prompt attendance and disbursement of funds 
to a sick brother, administrations to the needs of the widows and edu- 
cation of the orphans — fellowship, love and truth. April 26, 1819, 
Thomas Wilder, of Manchester, and four others, organized the first 
lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the United States at 
Baltimore, Md., naming it Washington Lodge No. 1. Eleven months- 
later a second lodge was located at Boston, and December 26, 1821, the 
third society was organized at Philadelphia. The Sovereign Grand 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 37 

Lodge of America was formed at Baltimore, June, 1823, and from that 
date the order made a rapid growth in the new world. There are some 
50 grand lodges on this continent, with 6,500 subordinate lodges and 
a membership of over 600,000. The membership in Europe is approx- 
imately the same, aggregating about one and one-fourth millions of 
Odd Fellows. 

Niagara River Lodge No. 527., I. 0. 0. F., was organized June 25, 
1885, and has rapidly gained in membership until it numbers at 
present about i75. This lodge has a well drilled team and ceremonial 
rites are nicely conferred. W. H. Jacobs, N. G. ; H. H. Croley, P. 8. ; 
B. J. Wheattall, 8ec'y ; A. C. Gillie, Treas. A lodge of Odd Fellows 
was organized in this place as early as 1853, but for lack of support it 
surrendered its charter about the time of the late war. 

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 

This. organization was founded in 1866 in Illinois, and has a pres- 
ent membership of about 450,000. It is composed exclusively of men 
who served in the late war against the states which seceded from the 
Union, and is a patriotic organization designed to cherish the memo- 
ries of the fallen comrades, assist and fraternize the living soldiers and 
dispense charities to the widows and orphans of the deceased. The 
order has probably reached its acme, as it has incorporated in its ranks 
the majority of those from the late war who are still living, and the 
death rate must now necessarily be about as large as the increase from 
those who are eligible that still remain outside its folds. Under the 
present constitutional requirements it can be but a few years at most 
until the order must succumb for lack of material, and the Sons of 
Veterans has been organized as a society to perpetuate the memories 
of the fathers. 

Winfiekl B. Seott Post No. 129, G. A. R. Was organized November, 
1879, and at last semi-annual report had 75 members. The post pur- 
chased the old brick school house in 1886 and owns a very comfortable 
home. Daniel F. Burd, Com. ; F. Lacey, adj. ; H. A. Rose, Q. M. 

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. 

The above order is the oldest of its kind in the United States, 
having been established at Meadville, Pa., October 28, 1868, and now 
having a membership of over 260,000, which is largely in excess of any 
other beneficiary organization. Prior to June 1, 1891, the A. 0. U. W. 
had paid to the relatives of deceased members $35,737,673, and is now 
carrying insurance risks aggregating over five hundred millions of 
dollars. By a careful discrimination in risks the average mortality 
rate in this state has been less than 9 to every 1,000 members, while 
the usual insurance tables allow over 12. The full $2,000 has in all 
cases been promptly paid, without litigation, upon proper proofs of the 
death of any brother in good standing, and the order- has a record of 
reliability not excelled by any beneficiary organization. It is not, as 
its name would seem to imply, a fraternity of working men, but strict- 
ly a mutual insurance and fraternal society composed of all phases of 
business, social and religious preferences. In New York the order now 
has 400 lodges and about 35,000 members. 



38 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

Centennial Lodge No. IJf, A. 0. U. W. Was organized in 1876 and 
has a membership of over 175. It meets on the second and fourth 
Fridays in Masonic hall. James Gillespie, M. W. ; S. C. Hosmer, Re- 
corder ; J. F. Davison, Fin. ; Max Schroeder, Receiver. 

EQUITABLE AID UNION. 

The Equitable Aid Union was incorporated under the laws of the 
Keystone State at Columbus, Pa., March 22, 1879. For a half dozen 
years the union was hampered by one drawback or another, but, final- 
ly outlived adverse circumstances and for several years past has been 
steadily and surely progressing, having now a membership of over 
40,000, scattered well over the northern states, but predominating in 
New York and Pennsylvania. The mathematical tables upon which 
the insurance is rated are perhaps the most carefully and systematic- 
ally arranged of any beneficiary society and fully entitles this organiza- 
tion to the appellation of "Equitable Aid Union." Beginning with 
21 years the insurance is So, 000 on a SI. 00 assessment and drops S50 
with each additional year of age, so that the person who delays enter- 
ing until 41 only secures S2,000, and he of 61 only SI, 000 insurance. 
This gives all intermediate ages a correct grading according to the 
probabilities from the expectancy tables. Another wise feature of the 
organization is the payment of one-half the insurance to the person 
upon his arrival at the age of physical disability. The Equitable Aid 
Union also insures ladies, and its twelve years of experience in that 
direction has proven that they are preferable risks. The medical 
examinations are ver}^ strict, and the society bids fair for a long and 
prosperous existence. A Grand Union was formed in this state in 1886,, 
and has now a membership of over 13,000. 

Tonaicanda Union No. OKi^ E. A. U. Was organized in 1885 and has 
about 150 members. Meets in Masonic Hall on second and fourth 
Mondays. J. G. Brown, President ; W^m. C. Fowler, Accountant ; 
Wm. V. Vickers, Sec'y ; E. L. McKeen, Treasurer. 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS. 

This beneficiary insurance organization was commenced in New 
Jersey in 1874, its plans having been somewhat remodeled about ten 
years since. The present headquarters are at Toronto, and the busi- 
ness appears to be conducted upon a sound and economical basis. A 
surplus of over $350,000 has been accumulated, to be used when need- 
ed, to keep the assessments on an equable basis at times when 
epidemics or accidents produce an extra heavy mortality rate. The 
insurance ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, for which a low regular month- 
ly assessment is made, regardless of the current number of deaths. 
The order has a membership of over 30,000. 

Tonaivanda Court No. 624-, I- 0. F., was organized about a year since. 
It meets in Scribner's Hall on second and fourth Thursday's. J. F. 
Davison, C. R.; A. G. Rose, F. S.; Thos. Tully, Treas.; James Gilles- 
pie, Court Deputy. 

ROYAL ARCANUM. 

This fraternal beneficiary order was organized under Massachusetts 
laws in November, 1877, and has all the popular features of modern 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. '69 

society insurance. Organized but 14 years ago this society now has 18 
Grand Councils, about 1,400 Councils with an aggregate membership 
of over 120,000. It has paid 17,000,000 of dollars to beneficiaries, and 
by its careful selection of risks has maintained the lowest average 
mortality rate of any organization approximately as great, the highest 
number of assessments in one year having been 15. 

Niagara River Council, No. 718 R. A., was organized October 25th, 
1882, with 19 members, and now has about 75. Meets first and third 
Monday, in Masonic Hall. P. D. Hershey, Regent; Jno. J. Edwards, 
Collector; Chas. Akerly, Treasurer; and Fayette A. Ballard, Secretary. 

CATHOLIC BENEFICIARY SOCIETIES. 

The Catholic Mutual Benefit Association and the Roman Cath- 
olic Benevolent Legion are composed exclusively of adherents 
to the Catholic faith and have the full endorsement of the Church 
and clergy. These fraternal insurance societies have gained a well 
merited popularity. The C. M. B. A. was first organized at Niagara 
Falls, N. Y., December, 1876, and now has a total membership of about 
35,000, of which nearly half are in this state. There are now five 
Grand Councils and branches in several other states which still work 
under the Supreme Council. 

St. Francis^ Branch, No. 66, C. M. B. A., was organized early in 1877 
and has a present membership of about 100. Meets in Riesterer block 
on alternate Tuesdavs. Martin Riesterer, Pres.; Jno. M. Tallon, Sec; 
Jno. D. White, Fin. Sec; Henry Whitefield, Treas. 

Ascension Branch, No. 1^9, was organized May 28, 1890. Jno. W. 
Kelley, Pres.; C. E. Caulfield, Sec; Wm. J. Ward, Fin. Sec; John Ryan, 
Treas. Meetings are held in Nice & Hinkey block, opposite N. Y. C. 
depot, on alternate Tuesdays. 

The Catholic Benevolent Legion was organized in Brooklyn about ten 
years ago and now has a total membership of 27,000, of which more than 
half are in this state. Its objects and plans are similar to the C. M. B. 
A. Lumber City Council, No. 208, started in January, '88, and has about 
65 members. John Ultsch, Pres.; Thos. Flanagan, Sec; Thos. Hunt, 
Col.; Jno. D. White, Treas. Meetings are held in Riesterer block on first 
and third Wednesdays. 

The Catholics also have a Mutual Benevolent Association, German 
Benevolent Association, and Ladies' C. M. B. A., of which at this writing 
we have been unable to obtain statistics. 

Deutscher Order Harugari, No. 119, has 50 members and meets Tues- 
day evenings over Nice & Hinkey's store. F. Brumm, 0. B.; John Hen- 
ning, Sec. This order is similar in its plans and workings to the Odd 
Fellows, and was started in the United States over 50 years ago. 

EMPIRE ORDER OF MUTUAL AID. 

This order, as its title would indicate, is a fraternal insurance order,, 
exclusively for citizens of the Empire State, It was organized Dec. 12, 
1878, and has about 8,000 members. It is on the same general plan as 
other beneficiary organizations. 



40 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

Tonaivanda Lodge, No. 32, E. 0. M. A., was organized a dozen years 
ago and has numbered in its membership many of our prominent citi- 
zens. Among the past presiding officers have been T. S. Fassett, H. M. 
Stocum, J. B. Hotchkiss, Geo. M. Warner, H. A. Bacon, T. M. Chapman, 
T. E. Warner, L. G. Fuller. John G. Stackhouse is iPres.; David Ed- 
wards, Sec; H. M. Stocum, F. Sec; W. H. Hepworth, Treas. The pres- 
ent membership is over 50. Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday in 
each month in Masonic Hall. 

ROYAL TEMPLARS OF TEMPERANCE. 

This beneficiary society was organized in Buffalo Feb. 3, 1877, with 
the belief that a mutual insurance organization with only total abstain- 
ers would have a low rate of mortality. It has met with excellent suc- 
cess, now numbering over 37,000 members who carry insurance each 
ranging from $500 to $4,000. It has nine grand councils and over 800 
select councils. This organization pays one-half the insurance upon 
total disability from accidents. 

Tonawanda Council, No. 25, R. T. of T., was organized in 1878 and has 
about 85 members. It meets in Scribner's hall on Tuesdays. Dr. Wm. 
Lane, S. C; Mrs. Wm. Sutton, Sec; Mrs. S. C. Hosmer, F. S.; B. L. Rand, 
Treas. 

The Lumber City also has Sons of Temperance, Select Knightsj 
Daughters of Rebekali, Knights of the Order of Maccabees, and perhaps 
other secret societies that have failed to report in time for this depart- 
ment. 

CHURCHES, ETC.— The early settlers in this region were nearly 
all religious people, mostly from New England and eastern New York. 
They were principally Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists and I'niver- 
salists. The earliest preaching was by Rev. John Foster, a Presbyterian 
divine from Pennsylvania, who held meetings in the school houses and 
homes of the settlers. Revs. Hoag and Cole, circuit preachers of the 
Methodist denomination, were the next to come. There was no church 
building on either side of the creek until early in the '30's, when John 
Simson, foremost in religious as well as school work, erected, at his own 
expense, a substantial church building on the south side, which he 
dedicated to the use of all denominations, and which was freel}" used 
by many of them, including the Roman Catholic. Mr. Simson relates 
that one of the most impressive sermons ever delivered in Tonawanda 
was preached in that church by a Catholic priest from Buffalo. For 
some time he secured preachers upon his own responsibility for the 
church which he had built, inviting them or employing those from the 
various denominations. 

The next church building in the growing twin villages was a Pres- 
byterian, erected on the south side, and it is not surprising to learn 
that this, after being half completed for several years, was finished and 
turned over to the Presbyterians by the ever ready and generous Mr. 
Simson. This building was erected about 1838 and served the con- 
gregation for many years, until they suspended. 



OF THE LUMBER CITI. 41 

About 1830 the Germans began to come into this region and by 
1845 they were settled in considerable numbers over both townships. 
As they had been practically driven from the fatherland by religious 
persecution it was but natural that they should form communities of 
their own and be bound together by the strongest religious ties. Their 
denomination was the Lutheran, and the church organization was the 
controlling element in their communities. 

LUTHERAN CHURCHES. 

The first Lutheran Church in this section was erected at Martins- 
ville, on Tonawanda Creek, in 1845. The first church of this denom- 
ination within the old corporations was Immanuel Church, erected in 
1869, when the congregation numbered but eight' families. The build- 
ing is still standing, being now used for a parish school. Rev. Her- 
man Krebs was the first pastor. 

In 1878 the present substantial, commodious church was erected, 
and later the pastor's residence. The congregation is in a flourishing 
condition, numbering now 120 families. The church school, in which 
both German and English are taught, has an attendance of 130 pupils. 
Rev. J. W. Gram, the pastor, has had charge of this congregation for 
many years. Immanuel Church becoming, of late, over crowded, a 
new church was erected on Wheatfield street, north side of the creek, 
and dedicated October oth, 1890, as St. Matthew's Church. 

The German United Evangelical Protestant Church, was first es- 
tablished within the village about 1855, and in 1857 Salem Church, 
the first building, was erected on Morgan street. The present fine 
building, one ot the largest in the town, was completed in 1889. The 
congregation now numbers 2G0 families, nearly 1,000 persons, and the 
large parish school has about 120 pupils. The church also has a Mis- 
sion Chapel beyond the corporation limits. Rev. John G. Wittlinger, 
a native of Georgia and for thirteen years a missionary in Brazil, has 
been pastor of this church for two years past. The new church build- 
ing was erected in 1889, and the present church property including the 
school building, is worth over $12,000. 

The First Presbyterian Church. — A Presbyterian church was organ- 
ized here in the 30's, and in 1837-8 the building on North Canal street, 
now used by Dr. W. D. Murray as a barn, was erected. This church 
suspended in the '40's, and on May 29, 1852, the present organization 
was effected by Rev. A. T. Rankin, who was succeeded in '53 by Arthur 
Burtis. The latter again officiated as pastor in '64-5. Thos. J. Hodg- 
skin came in '54 ; E. W. Kellogg, '57 ; A. T. Rankin again in '59 ; 
Wm. Hancock, '65 ; R. R. Sutherland, '71 ; Albert Robinson, 76; A. F. 
Hale, '80; W. C. MacBeth, '82; W. A. Gay, '83; L P. Smith, '85, and 
C. H. Fenn, the present incumbent, in 1890. Rev. Fenn is a native of 
Clyde, N. Y., graduated from Hamilton College in 1887 and from 
Auburn Theological Seminary just prior to accepting the charge here. 
The brick edifice of this congregation adjoins the public park and 
was built some thirty years ago. Mrs. Phebe Cherry and Mrs. Col. 
Payne are the only charter members now living. 



43 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

St. Frmicis R. C. Church was organized in 1850 as the Church of the 
Sacred Heart. The building on Franklin street was removed to the 
center of Grand Island in 1862 where twenty acres of land had been 
purchased. It is known as St. Stephen's CUiurch, and is connected 
with the Tonawanda parish. A new building was last year erected 
there at a cost of |4,000 The handsome stone edifice of St Francis 
church, on Adam street, was erected in 1862, at a cost of about $10,000. 
The grounds are 200x264 feet and in 1883 a handsome three-story brick 
school house, 40x90 feet, was erected on the park side. Over 200 
scholars attend here, and are instructed by four of the sisters of St. 
Francis. The third story is used as an exhibition hall. A commodi- 
ous frame parsonage .40x68 feet, two stories in height, is nearing 
completion. 

The first mass in Tonawanda of which record has been made was 
said in a building which stood at the corner of Seymour and South 
Canal streets. The first regular priest was Sergius de Schoulepnikoff, 
from Buffalo who was succeeded in '53 by Father F. S. Uhrich, of the 
Pendleton charge, who remained pastor of Tonawanda until Chrisostom 
Wagner came, January '66. Francis X. Kofier came in the fall of '66 ; 
L. Vanderpoel, '69 ; T. Voss, '70, and Aloysius A. Bachmann, August 9, 
1874. Rev. Bachmann is a native of Philadelphia, educated at St. Vin- 
cent's University, of Latrobe, Pa., and graduated from the Niagara 
University, of Suspension Bridge, in 1873. Including the Grand Island 
Catholics, Father Bachmann has over 200 families in his charge, and 
with over seventeen years in this field his services have become indis- 
pensable to the congregation of St. Francis church. 

The Church of Christ was organized in Tonawanda March 27, 1853, 
with about forty members. The brick chapel, corner of Broad and 
Seymour streets was built in 1857 and recently enlarged. Among the 
preachers to this congregation have been J. J. Moss, J. D. Benedict, J. 
M. Bartlett, H. C. Parsons, J. C. Goodrich, Geo. Lobingier, Levi Os- 
borne, Frank Talmage, S. C. Humphrey, and E. B. Cross, the present 
incumbent, who came to this charge a year since. Minister Cross at- 
tended the Northwestern Institute, of Chicago, and the theological 
seminary of Valparaiso, Ind. The present church membership is 
about 250. 

The Evangelical Association Congregation of Tonawanda was organ- 
ized in 1869, Frederick Lohmoeyer serving as pastor until the church 
was built, in 1873, Then succeeded Fred Hehr, '74 ; Edw. A. Weir, 
'76; David Fisher, '78; Carl Mowitz, '80; Paul Beck, '83; Geo. Buesch, 
'86 ; C. A. Wisseman, '88, and P. E. Bahn, the present pastor, in '91. 
Rev. Bahn is a native of this state and was educated at Northwestern 
College, Naperville, III. The present membership is over 100. The 
church is a convenient frame edifice on Morgan street. 

The Free Methodist Church of Tonawanda was organized in 1860, the 
meetings first having been held at the residence of Geo. Goodenough 
by Rev. B. F. Roberts. The building on Adam street was erected in 
1887, since when Rev. C. C. Eggleston has ofiiiciated two years and Rev. 
B. P. Clark up to the present time. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 43 

The German Baptid Cliurch of Tonawanda was started as a mission 
in 1874, and organized as a church in 1879, Rev. R. Otto having been 
its pastor for a dozen years. Rev. R. J. Hack, came in March, 1886, was 
succeeded in March, 1890, by Rev. John Schuff, and we are told that 
another pastor will take the field about the time this book is published. 

NORTH TONAWANDA CHURCHES. 

The ChurcJt of Christ of North, Tonmoanda organized in 1888, and 
the present commodious building, corner of Christiania street and 
Payne's avenue, was erected in 1889. J. W. Robbins served as pastor in 
1889, W. H. Willison in 1890 and at present writing the church is 
without a regular pastor. The building is a neat and commodious 
structure and cost, with the accompanying lot, about $12,000. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — Rev. John Foster, a circuit rider, 
preached in Tonawanda between the years 1816-20. About 1830 Mr. 
John Simson started a subscription paper to build a church. He met 
with but little assistance and was at more than three-fourths of the 
expense. Mr. A. H. Tracy donated a lot on South Canal street upon 
which the building was erected, and for several years after this Metho- 
dists, Baptists, Presbyterians and Universal] sts all worshipped in this 
" meeting house." In 1842 the Methodist church, corner of Main 
and Tremont streets, was erected. Donations Avere made by James and 
John Sweeney, Mr. Goundry and some others, but again the burthen 
of the work fell upon Mr. Simson, who, on July 4th, 1867, presented 
the lot, old edifice and sheds, free of debt, to the M. E. church society. 
The present modern and convenient church was completed in 1882, 
and with lot is valued at $15,000. We have not the names of the early 
preachers, but Rev. B. F. McNeal was pastor in 1859, succeeded in '60 
by W. L. Leake ; J. Timmerman and R. C. Foot, '61 ; C. P. Clark, 
'62-3, '71 ; C. D. Burlingham, '66; J. McEwen, '67-8; Z. Hurd, '69-'70; 
S. C. Smith, '72-3 ; H. Vosburg, '74-6 ; G. H. Dyer, '77-9 ; L. D. Wat- 
son, '81-3; S. McGerald, '83-4; L. A. Stevens, '85-7, since which time 
Dr. Andrew Purdy has been in charge. Dr. Purdy took the A. B. 
degree at Alfred University in 1864, attended a term at the Michigan 
University and graduated from the New York University, practicing 
medicine for several years before entering the ministr3^ 

First Baptist Church. — A Baptist church was organized about 1850, 
Joshua Vincent and other ministers attending to its spiritual wants, but 
it succumbed in a few years for lack of support. The First Baptist 
church of North Tonawanda was organized September 6, 1885, with 
eighteen members, and in 1887-8 the present commodious building on 
Vandervoort street was erected at a cost of about S5,00(>. Difierent 
students from the Rochester Theological Seminary preached for this 
church during the winter of 1885-6, and on March 26, 1886, a call was 
extended to Rev. M. W. Twing, a student of the Seminary, who was or- 
dained here and has continued to be its pastor from the start. The 
church has a present membership of about 110. 

St. Mark's Epi-^copal Church was organized Feb. 17, 1869, with Geo. 
W. Sherman and L. S. Payne as wardens and G. L. Judd, W. H. Vick- 



44 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

ers, C. C. Lane, D. H. Burrows, .James Sweene}', vestrymen. Services 
were first held in Washington Hall, which was burned in 1870. Two 
lots were donated by G. W. Sherman on the corner of Tremont and 
Marion streets, and the present church erected. Rev. George C. Pen- 
nell was first rector, succeeded in 1870 by F. W. Raikes ; Alb. Wood, 
'71 ; H. A. Duboc, '75, and .J. H. Barnard, the present rector, a native 
of Norfolk, Va., who came to this charge -July 15, 1883. St. Marks has 
about 150 actual communicants, and, as the present building is too 
small, it is contemplated to build a more commodious one in the near 
future. 

Ascension R. C. Church. — Rev. Father Bustin, who graduated from 
Niagara University a half dozen years ago, in 1888 organized the Church 
of the Ascension in North Tonawanda, and having faith in the north- 
ward development located his church in the outskirts. It is now sur- 
rounded by cottages in all directions and will soon be near the center of 
its membership. Over 100 Catholic families are in this pastorate, a 
handsome and commodious church and parsonage have been completed 
and the church property, worth S 10,000, is free from debt, which certain- 
ly speaks well for Father Bustin 's industry and zeal. He has recently 
returned from a three months' vacation to Kurope and the British Isles. 

German Evangelical Lutheran. — The building of St. Matthew's church 
at the corner of Wheatfield and Bryan streets, was commenced in 1889, 
and completed the next year, the church organization having been 
effected January, 1890. Rev. W. C. Koch, the pastor, died in October, 
and in February, 1891, August Hering, the present spiritual shepherd 
came to this field. Rev. Hering is a native of Illinois, and graduated 
from the Springfield Theological Seminary in 1885. The basement of 
the church is used for the parochial school, where the children from 
nearly 100 families receive their early education. The church propertv 
is valued at $10,000. 

Evangelical Frieden'^s Church, corner of Schenck and Vandervoort 
streets, was erected in 1889 at a cost of S8,000. It is a handsome modern 
structure and, with lots, etc., makes the church property worth about 
$11,000. The society was organized in 1889 under Rev. Paul Dittman, 
a native of Buffalo and graduate of the Springfield (111.) Theological 
Seminary. About 100 families are connected with this church and the 
early education of the children is cared for in the apartment for that 
purpose, adjoining the church. 

St. Peter s Evangelical Lutheran Society was organized October 31st, 
1887, and the church in the Pine Grove on Schenck street built soon after. 
There are about sixty families connected with this church under charge 
of Rev. H. Kaufman, who was commissioned by the " Lutheran Synod 
of Ohio and Other States" to organize this church. Rev. Kaufman also 
has charge of the church school and, as most of his parishioners are 
recent immigrants from Germany, it makes his duties arduous. This 
church has a private cemetery of one and a half acres on the Martinsville 
road, and the church property is worth about S3,000. 

The First Presbyterian Church of North Tonawanda was organized 
April 30th with seventy-five members, and at present has nearly one 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 45 

hnndred. The building erected by the German Methodists in 1887, on 
Schenck street was purchased by this organization, but present indica- 
tions are that it will soon be outgrown. Rev. H. K. Sanborne, of West 
Bloomfield, N. Y., is in charge. He graduated from Hamilton College, 
of Clinton, N. Y., in 1884, was four years professor of mathematics in 
Roberts College, at Constantinople, receiving the degree of A. M. in 1890, 
and graduating from the Aubvirn Theological College just prior to ac- 
cepting this charge. Residence 14 Lincoln Avenue. 

The session are H. K. Sanborne, moderator ; James P. McKenzie, 
clerk; L. A. Kelsey, J. D. Holden and G. 0. Miller. Trustees: W. B. 
Kerr, J. 0. Wilson, C. H. Akerley, G. C. Herschell, Alex. Nelson James 
gkeene, J. G. Paul and J. S. Sanborn. 

Young Hoi's Christian Association. Formerly this place had a 
" Young Men's Prohibition Club," which disbanded some half dozen 
years ago, and largely through the influence of the late Rev. I. P. Smith 
the Y. M. C. A. was organized, in December, 1886. Geo. Jones was 
elected general secretary Jan. 6th, '87, the work systematized under his 
directions, a junior department added, and the work was running 
smoothly and successfully under his charge until he was called away by 
death, Sept. 18th, in his first 3'ear of labor. J. B. Bristol took charge on 
the first of October. Bath and gymnasium rooms were added, with A. 
W. Barnard in charge of the latter. Messrs Bristol and Barnard both 
left in 1889; but prior to their retirement a lot had been purchased on 
the corner of Main and Tremont streets. Work has been commenced 
and materials collected towards the erection of a fine four-story building 
50x132 feet, which will contain convenient reception rooms, auditorium, 
parlors, reading room, gymnasium, etc., which will probably be completed 
next year, and is an institution worthy of the liberal consideration of our 
people. 

The Association now numbers 286. with a junior department of 59 
members. Dr. T. M. Hayes has been its president from the start, and 
Benj. L. Rand treasurer. C. R. Measel is the present gymnasium in- 
structor. A. E. Roever, the present general secretary, was called to the 
charge in 1889 and has been a zealous and successful worker. 

There are Methodist churches at Ironton and Gratwick, and Lu- 
theran churches at Martinsville, all within North Tonawanda corporation, 
which will have mention under their respective headings. 

SCHOOLS. — The pioneers of this section were not unmindful of 
the benefits to be derived from education, for although struggling with 
poverty and the hardships of frontier life, one of their first acts, of a 
public nature, was the establishment of a school. This school, doubt- 
less the first in Tonawanda township, was opened previous to 1817, in 
a house built for the purpose near where the road left the river, 
Ephraim Kelsey being the first teacher. Robt. Simson, about 1816, 
built a log house on the north side and run a blacksmith shop. About 
1819 he removed to the Simson farm, his log residence having been 
sold for use as a school house and chapel, and a Mr. Steele engaged to 
teach, It was in these primitive schools, kept almost in the depths of 



46 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

a primeval forest, that the foundations were laid for the present high- 
ly progressive school system of the Lumber Cit3\ As the settlement 
of this region progressed other schools were added, or the old ones en- 
larged and the school term lengthened somewhat. 

In 1835 the promoters of education secured from Congress, for the 
States, a loan of §28,000,000, of which New York State received 
§3,500,000 as her share. The interest of this fund was proportioned to 
districts in each township, provided they could raise from private 
donation an equal amount, and this was the first start of the free 
school system which has produced such grand results in the enlighten- 
ment of our people. The citizens of Tonawanda and Wheatfield were 
not slow to take advantage of this opportunity to establish good 
schools. In less than a year the school commissioners of Wheatfield 
had set apart the district now within the corporation, which thej' de- 
signated School District No. 1, and the free holders and inhabitants in 
the newly formed district had held a public meeting and voted to levy 
a tax to build a school house. At a subsequent meeting the officers 
for the district were elected : Isaac S. Youngs, District Clerk ; James 
Sweeney, James Lovell and Loyal E. Edwards, Trustees, and William 
Sweeney, Collector. Four hundred dollars was the sum to be raised 
by tax and subscription for the erection of a school house which was 
to stand on lot 81. 

The tax was placed at one and one-third per cent, on a fair valua- 
tion, and netted §385.91 — S54 in money and $83 in material and labor, 
additional were donated to the good work, making a total of S522.91. 

In 1839 a library was purchased for the school. In 1846 School 
District No. 3, of Wheatfield, was, by request, annexed to District No. 
1, and in 1848 a school house was built thereon. 

As before stated the first school house in Tonawanda township 
was the log structure near the river and close to where the canal now 
runs. It was built about 1816, and conducted by Ephraim Kelse}', 
who taught there about three months in the year. When School Dis- 
trict No. 3 was formed in Tonawanda and trustees elected, early in 
the thirties, a second school house was erected near the end of the 
bridge over the canal ; it was a frame building, somewhat larger than 
the old one. The teachers were Dr. Hopkins, Mrs. Bigelow, Messrs. 
Emery, Woolson, Bush, Murdock, and others, and the first trustees 
were John Simson, Urial Driggs, and a ^Ir. Cleveland. 

About 1838 Mr. John Simson, who had been the leading spirit in 
public enterprises, erected, and with the assistance of Mr. Carney and 
Mr. Ackerman, maintained a practically free school on his farm just 
east of the village. A good teacher was engaged and some of the 
twenty or thirty scholars who attended became distinguished men and 
women. 

It was not until about 1844 that the first really free school was 
opened in Tonawanda. The building was of. brick and located on 
Adam street, where it is still standins;, though used at present as G. 
A. R. Hall. ^ • 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 47 

There are 2,344 children of school age in Tonawanda, and of these 
not more than 900 attended the public free schools, which is due to the 
fact of a large attendance at the parochial schools. The present large, 
substantial I'nion Free School building was erected in 1870 to take the 
place of the old and much smaller structure on Adam street. Not a, 
little hard feeling was created b}' the erection of this building ; many 
persons believing that it would prove a Jumbo and never be filled, but 
developments have fullv demonstrated the wisdom of the board's ac- 
tion. Not only is this commodious building now filled to over flow- 
ing, but it has been found absolutely necessary to rent a building in 
the western part of the town to accommodate a part of the primary 
department. Sites have also been purchased in both the eastern and 
western sections of the village, upon which school houses will shortly 
be built for the lower grades. 

Union School. — The site where the present handsome union school 
building stands on Goundry street was purchased from Mrs. Rogers in 
1865 for S300, and a tax levied for $4,00 for the purpose of building the 
old portion of the building now in use. L. S. Payne, G. W. Sherman, 
Wm. Clark, Jacob Becker and George Becker were elected trustees, G. 
L. Judd, chairman. The old portion of the building was erected 1866-7. 
B. F. Felton was elected a member of the school board in 1876 and has 
continued to be a zealous and efficient worker ever since. On June 5, 
1882, a vote was taken authorizing S14,000 to be raised by bonds, bearing 
five per cent, interest, and payable, $1,000 each year until paid. The 
funds from these were used for the new structure which was well 
planned in every respect, giving every facility for the commercial, 
classical and normal courses. 

Ironton School. — The rapid growth of North Tonawanda in the Iron- 
ton district, together with the crowded condition of the union school, 
demanded increased facilities, and on November 15th, 1888, $10,000 was 
voted to build an edifice in that locality. The amount was increased to 
$15,000 and the building erected in 1889 is of modern design, and well 
adapted to school use. The lot is well located, 150x300 feet, and, alto- 
gether, it makes a very desirable school property. 

The rapid growth of Gratwick and other sections of the corporation 
will necessitate immediate appropriations for building purposes. The 
education of the rising generation demands our best attention, as schools 
create good citizens while idleness makes criminals and paupers which 
are more expensive and especially undesirable. 

PROFESSIONAL.— By some it may be claimed that in de- 
scribing the essential features of a city, "professional notes" are a matter 
of minor importance, and the space might better have been occupied 
with statistics or valuable data. It is not only difficult, but impossible, 
to meet the requirements of all, and while we shall attempt to please the 
majority, our experience has taught us that people take pleasure in mail- 
ing to distant friends a. paper containing the name and business mention 
of their personal acquaintances ; consequently these notes, while seem- 
ingly unimportant, assist us in securing that wide-spread distribution 



48 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

which is so essential in making this production valuable to the Lumber 
City and to all advertisers. The ease of wrapping and inexpensiveness 
of mailing this pamphlet to friends, its convenient shape for preserva- 
tion, together with the fact that all subscribers for the pamphlet have 
agreed to make judicious distribution of the same, justify us in asserting 
that this sketch of the Tonawandas will have a much larger circulation 
than any other descriptive sketch of a similar character which has been 
issued from this city. 

MEDICAL PROFESSION.— Among the eady practitioners of this 
place was Dr. Hopkins, who taught school for some time. Drs. Young, 
Thomas, and others were here before 1850. Dr. Jesse F. Locke came 
about 1838 and practiced until his death in 18G0. The present corps of 
physicians in the Lumber City are men who rank well in the profession, 
the oldest here being 

Dr. F. F. Hoycr, a native of Herkimer county, who came to this 
place in May, 1849. Drs. Ware and Gail having located here the same 
week, but only remaining a short time. Dr. Hoyer reports that in his 
42 years of practice here, that at least 100 physicians have come and 
gone. In early years the country ride was burdensome, covering not 
only long distances in Erie and Niagara counties, but the adjacent part 
of Grand Island as well, although the Island has the record of being the 
healthiest spot in the United States. Dr. Hoyer was physician to the 
Erie County Alms House and Insarie Asylum, in 1860, served 5 years on 
the Board of Censors, has been for many years a member of the Erie 
County Medical Society, having served as its presiding officer. He still 
enjoys robust health and continues to practice as in days of yore. 

Dr. W. D. Murray is the second oldest practitioner of the place, 
having located here over thirty years ago. He was born in Lockport, 
took a literary course at ('olumbia College, and graduated from the Wash- 
ington National Medical College in 1860. Early in the war Dr. Murray 
was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Eagle Brigade at Buffalo, 
serving for a time with the 100th N. Y., and later promoted to surgeon 
of the 161st N. Y. Vols., where he served till the close. Office and resi- 
dence, No. 88 North Canal street. 

Dr. H. B. Murray was born in Niagara county and graduated from 
the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York in 1868, having since 
been in practice in Tonawanda. Mrs. Murray is also a student of medi- 
cine with her husband, having attended two courses at the Buffalo Med- 
ical College. Office at residence, 144 Clinton street. 

Dr. R. C- Taher is a native of Ithaca, N. Y., having been from early 
years connected with the drug trade at Ithaca and Auburn, and a half 
dozen years clerk for L. G. Stanley prior to attendance at the medical 
department of the Buffalo University, from which he graduated in 1888 
and located in Tonawanda. His office rooms are over Stanley's drug 
store, corner of Main and South Canal streets. Dr. Taber is a member 
of the Erie County Medical Society. 

Dr. Duncan Sinclair is a native qf Ontario, attended the McGill 
College at Montreal, and graduated from the Toronto Medical College in 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 49 

1887, locating at Tonawanda. His office is at No. 25 Main street. See 
Martinsville sketch for notice of real estate. 

Dr. Jno. T. Harris is a native of Ontario and graduated from the 
Buffalo Medical College in 1883, practicing for two years at La Salle, 
Niagara count}', before locating in Tonawanda. Dr. Harris' office is at 
the corner of Broad and Delaware streets. He is also interested in real 
estate with Dr. Sinclair. 

Dr. J. R. Simson is a native of this place, graduated from the Bry- 
ant & Stratton business college and in 1879 from the Cleveland Homoeo- 
pathic Hospital College, and has since been in practice in Tonawanda. 

Dr. H. M. Edmonds is a native of Fulton county, N. Y., and resident of 
Tonawanda since 1878. He graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Med- 
ical College of New York in 1887, and has since been engaged in the 
practice here. Dr. Edmonds has just completed a fine office and resi- 
dence corner Seymour and Broad streets. 

Dr. H. C. Leonhardt, born near Stratford, Ont., attended Mitchell's 
Collegiate Institute, graduated from the Buffalo University in 1890, and 
located at No. 35 South Canal street. Dr. Leonhardt has a good location, 
modern library, well furnished and convenient rooms. 

NORTH TONAWANDA PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. W. L. Allen is a native of Niagara county, was educated at the 
State Norman School of Albany, and is a graduate of Ovid Academy 
and Seneca Collegiate Institute, having taught for live years prior to 
commencing the study of medicine. He graduated from the Buffalo 
Medical College April 10, 1876, having been in the practice at this place 
ever since. His office is conveniently located at the corner of Webster 
and Tremont streets in North Tonawanda. 

Dr. W. V. R. Blighton, a native of Wyoming county, N. Y., and 
licentiate of the Columbia and Green county Homoeopathic Medical 
Society began practice in 1860, and 17 years ago located in Tonawanda, 
having office at his residence. No. 60 Oliver street. Dr. Blighton is 
president of the Niagara County Homoeopathic Medical Society. Re- 
cently Dr. H. W. Davis, a graduate of the University of Buftalo, has be- 
come a partner in practice with Dr. Blighton. 

Dr. Wm. Lane, who located at the corner of Goundry and Oliver 
streets in March last, is a native of Ontario, and graduated from the 
Victoria Medical College of Toronto, in 1861, practicing for ten years at 
St. Catharines, Canada, before locating at New Fane, Niagara county, 
where he was in practice 17 years prior to locating in North Tonawanda, 

Dr. C. C. Smith, is a native of Lewiston, and after a two years pre- 
paratory course in the University he attended and graduated from the 
Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, in 1884, and located in 
North Tonawanda, where he has since been in practice. Dr. Smith has 
been County Coroner since January 1890, and is on the present Board 
of Trustees. He owns the drug store at No. 60 Webster street. 

Dr. W. E. McChesney was born at Wilson, Niagara county, attended 
a medical course at Ann Arbor, Mich., after which he took two full 



50 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

years at the Buffalo Medical College, graduating in 1882. He practiced 
a short time in Genesee county, and for 7 years at Somerset, coming to 
North Tonawanda July 4th, 1889. Office and residence No. 41, Tre- 
mont street. 

Dr. A. T. Leonard is a native of Niagara county, read medicine at 
Lockport, and took a three years course at Universitj' Medical College 
of New York, graduating last spring and soon after located at the cor- 
ner of Webster and Tremont streets, where he has commodious office 
rooms. 

Dr. A. W. Jayne was born in Dansville, Va., graduated from Hamil- 
ton College in 1869, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New 
York, in 1872, and the New York Homoeopathic School in 1873. Dr. 
Jayne practiced in Norfolk, Va., for several years, and four years ago 
located in North Tonawanda. His office is at 48 Webster street. 

Dr. P ember ton Lundy was born in county of York, Ontario, and 
after a preparator}- education entered the Toronto University, from the 
medical department of which he graduated last spring and located in 
Tonawanda. Dr. Lundy's office is No. 64 Webster street, and residence 
on Lincoln Avenue. He is a member of the college of Physicians and 
Surgeons. 

DENTISTS AND VETEEINARY SURGEONS. 

Dr. R. G. Wright is a native of Ontario, and in 1878 he purchased 
the dental practice of E. W. Belding, of North Tonawanda, having con- 
tinued in dentistry here ever since. He has all the modern appliances 
for operative and mechanical dentistry at No. 72 Webster street. The 
well furnished suite of rooms are convenient, and Dr. L. G. Richardson, 
his assistant, is a graduate from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Sur- 
gery, formerly in practice at Castile, N. Y. 

Dr. M. J. Dixon was born in Tonawanda, reared in the rural dis- 
trict, was a student of Dr. Mo3'er, a Lockport dentist, for a time, and 
then took a two years course at the New York Dental College, from 
which he graduated in 1890, and located in Tonawanda. Dr. Dixon 
has a convenient operating room at No. 4 Lumber Exchange, and 
labratory in room 7. 

Dr. Geo. W. Hall was born and reared in this state, attended the 
Oberlin, Ohio, College, and graduated from the Philadelphia Dental Col- 
lege in 1887. He has a good library, convenient operating and mechan- 
ical rooms in the Krauss block. Main street, corner of Adams. 

Drs. Wende & Thomson, V. S. — Dr. H. S. Wende was born in Erie 
county, graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1886 and lo-. 
cated in Tonawanda where he secured a good run of practice, having an 
operating table and every convenience for the treatment of accidents 
or the diseases of horses. This is the largest veterinary hospital in this 
vicinity. Dr. J. P. Thomson, a Canadian and graduate of the above 
school, has been associated with Dr. Wende for a j-ear or two past, 
and is giving good satisfaction. 

Dr. H. S. Webb is a native of Grand Island, graduated from the On- 
tario Veterinary College at Toronto in December, '88, and shortly after- 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 51 

wards commenced practice here. The doctor has a full supply of sur- 
gical instruments and appliances, good quarters for caring for horses, and 
has received a fair share of the trade. 

LEGAL PROFESSION.— The earliest record of an attorney in this 
place is that of Jno. T. Bush and brother William, who began practice 
in Tonawanda in 1836, spending part of their time in Buffalo. W. W. 
Thayer, ex-Governor of Oregon, located here in 1855 and practiced for 
several years. B. H. Long began practice in 1856 and continued until 
his death in 1878. 

Hon. Garwood L. Judd was admitted to the practice of law in 1850 
and three years later located in North Tonawanda. He served two terms 
as associate justice of the county court under the old law ; was for 24 
successive years a justice of the peace, has served as town superinten- 
dent of schools, village clerk and various other public positions. With 
the last election Mr. Judd was chosen as a member of the New York 
Assembly from the first district of Niagara county, which position he has 
filled with honor to his constituency. 

Payne £ DunJcleherger. — Lewis T. Payne is a native of North Ton- 
awanda, attended our Union School, and graduated from Cornell Uni- 
versity in the class of 1883. He read law with Brundage & Chipman, 
of Buffalo, and was admitted to the bar in 1886, having since been in 
practice in his native town. Chauncey E. Dunkleberger is a native of 
Niagara county, and graduate from Madison College. He read law with 
Elsworth & Potter, of Lockport, was admitted in 1887, and has since 
been in practice at Lockport. He was appointed Surrogate by Gov. 
Hill to fill a vacancy, and a year later elected to that office by the 
suffrage of the people. The co-partnership of the above, commenced 
with September 1st, the firm occupying rooms formerly used by Mr. 
Payne, Nos. 4, 5 and 6, State Bank Building. 

Taylor & Tice. — Edw. J. Taylor, a native of Niagara county read 
law with Gen'l W. S. Farnell, and has been in practice at Lockport 
about a dozen years. David Tice, of the same county, read with M. S. 
& B. J. Hunting, of Lockport, was admitted in 1884, practicing there 
until the firm started a branch office in North Tonawanda, some two 
years since. The rooms occupied are Nos. 2 and 3, State Bank Build- 
ing, and the Lockport office is at 46 Main street. 

Herman S. Lary was born near Amsterdam, N. Y., graduated from 
the Fort Edwards Institute, of Washington county, in 1870, was princi- 
pal of the school at Gloverville, N. Y., for four years, read law and 
graduated from the Albany Law School, in the class of '80, practiced at 
Albany for ten years, in the meantime serving for several years as City 
Attorney of Greenburg, (East Albany). Mr. Lary then took a western 
tour, practiced about a year in Denver, and in August 1890 located in 
North Tonawanda. Office in Nice & Hinkey Building, opposite N. Y. 
C. depot. 

Henry E. Warner^ a native of Orleans county, attended Albion 
High School, read law with Signor & Wage, graduating from the Al- 
bany Law School in the clkss of 1885. He practiced in Albion prior to 



52 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

locating in North Tonawanda, three years since. Office in front rooms 
over State bank. Mr. Warner is interested in several tracts of North 
Tonawanda real estate. 

John Rubbert, a native of Germany, has been a resident of this 
county since 1865, living at Bergholtz and Martinsville prior to locating 
in North Tonawanda in 1885. Mr. Rubbert read law with Armstrong & 
Duckwitz, of Buffalo, in 1887-8, the latter year having been appointed a 
Justice of the Peace, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Wm. 
Dornfeld, and in 1889 he was elected Justice of the Peace. Squire Rub- 
bert has a convenient office in the Nice & Hinkey block, Main street 

Frederick Sommer was born in Baden, Germany, and came to Amer- 
ica in 1848, locating in Cheektowaga, Erie county, lie moved to Ton- 
awanda in 1868, and a year later to North Tonawanda, where he served 
for 11 years as Deputy Collector of Customs, holding the office of Justice 
of the Peace 4 years in the meantime, 81-5. He served as President of 
North Tonawanda, 88-9, the latter year having been again elected as 
Justice of the Peace, and holds court at corner of Main and Thomson 
streets. Mr. Sommer joined the 21 N. Y. Vols, as a private, was promot- 
ed to lieutenant in 116th, served as captain in the 98th, and was mus- 
tered out as lieutenant colonel. 

TOJS'A WANDA ATTORNEYS AND JUSTICES: 

Patton & Vroman. — Jno. K. Patton is a native of Buffalo, attended 
the East Aurora Academy, read law with Shearer & Merrit, and C. H. 
Addington, and was admitted to practice in 1882, locating in Tonawan- 
da. He served as Justice from 1885 to 1889, also having been the Re- 
publican nominee for assemblyman from the fourth district in 1887, and 
suffered the defeat of the minority party. Dow Vroman graduated from 
Union College of Schenectad}'-, in 1887, and practiced as a civil engineer 
for a year or two. Subsequently he read law in his native town, Mid- 
dleburgh, N. Y., with Wm. H. Albro, later attending the Albany Law 
School, from which he graduated in 1890, and in May was admitted to 
practice. A partnership of the above was formed July 1st. Office, 
Kibler Building, S. Canal street. 

Simso7i (§ Dudley. — Wm B. Simson comes from a pioneer family 
of Tonawanda, his father, Wm. F. Simson, having been born in this place 
in 1823. Mr. Simson read law in the office of his brother, Volney Sim- 
son, of Lockport, was admitted to the bar about ten years ago, and has 
since been in practice here. Glen G. Dudley was born in Wisconsin, 
graduated from the White Water State Normal School, a year or two 
later coming to Tonawanda. After reading law with Mr. Simson the 
required time he was admitted to practice in January last, since which 
time he has been a partner with his former preceptor. Convenient 
office rooms are occupied in the Wolf Building, No. 23 Young street. 

Root (C- Orton. — Elias Root was born near Pekin, Niagara county, 
and after graduating from the Lockport Union School, read law with L. 
F, & G. W Bowen, and Holmes & Fitts, was admitted in 1877, and 
commenced practice in Tonawanda with the late F. L. Clark. After 5 
years he removed to Dakota, but returned to Tonawanda in ^1884. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 53 

Chas. S. Orton was born and reared near Pekin, read law with Mr. Root, 
was admitted to practice last January, and at once became a partner 
with his preceptor. The firm have a good library and convenient rooms 
at Nos. li and 12 in the Lumber Exchange Building. 

Simon Bellinger, Associate Justice of the Sessions for 1889-90, was 
born in Madison county this state, January 24th, 1817, and at fourteen 
J ears of age removed to Buffalo. Relocated in Tonawanda in 1865, 
and has been active in the village government, having served as trustee, 
president of the school board, and Justice of the Peace. Judge Bellin- 
ger owns a comfortable property at 285 S. Canal street. 

Wm. J. Rogers is a native of Tonawanda, graduated from the Cham- 
berlain Institute, of Randolph, read law with Clinton & Clark for a time, 
but in '84 engaged with his brother, E. H. Rogers, Jr., mentioned else- 
where as a contractor. In '89 he was elected a Justice of the Peace for 
Tonawanda, assuming its duties January 1st, '90. Justice Rogers has a 
well fitted apartment in the Riesterer Block, and holds his full share of 
Tonawanda courts. 

PUBLIC BENEFITS.— The Tonawanda Gas Light Company 
was incorporated September 29, 1884, with a paid in capital of 
$60,000, and at present has over 25 miles of mains. The gas plant is in 
charge of Thos. Hunt, Superintendent, and is located on South Canal 
street, near the Erie R. R. bridge across Tonawanda creek. The output 
is about 24 million feet annually. About 550 street lamps and nearly 
400 private consumers are supplied. The gas is made by the usual coal 
process, is of first class quality, and is furnished at the low rate of $1.40 
per 1,000 feet per month, and $1.25 where 12,000 feet is used monthly. 
The officers are: J. H. De Graff, pres.; A. G. Kent, vice-pres.; A. H. 
Crown, sec; L. G. Stanley, treas., and H. M. Stocum, manager. Office 
in the Riesterer Block. 

THE STANDAKD GAS COMPANY 

Wa& incorporated August 21, 1888, with capital of $25,000, for pro- 
ducing and piping natural gas. The gas territory is at Getzville, some 6 
miles southeast of this place, the oldest well having been opened some 
26 years ago, and which is still supplying about the usual amount. 
There are now a dozen producing wells with average pressure of 200 
pounds each at the well. The average depth is 500 feet. Over 20iJ cus- 
tomers are supplied in North Tonawanda at the low rate of 20 cents per 
1,000 cubic feet. About 5 miles of pipe is in use in the city. As 15,000 
feet of gas has been demonstrated to equal in heat a ton of hard coal, 
the price obtained is considered very reasonable. B. L. Rand is presi- 
dent; Franklin Getz, vice-president; H. M. Fales, secretary, and Geo. 
C. Herschell treasurer. 

ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAYS. 

Electricity is the power that moves the world, and this place means 
to be abreast of the times. An electric railway has been laid on Main 
and Fletcher Streets in Tonawanda and is now reaching out to connect 
with the Buffalo end. Another is being built from the Falls towards the 



54 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

Lumber City. The Tonawanda Street Railroad Company has been in- 
corporated, and will next year build the missing link from the new 
bridge, across Tonawanda Creek, via Main, Webster and Oliver Streets, 
to Felton Street in the Gratwick district. This will doubtless be extended 
to Payne's Avenue and other important streets as the necessity of North 
Tonawanda demands. 

TONAW^ANDA & WHEATFIELD ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. 

Incorporated in 1890, this company has in operation a 1,300 alter- 
nating incandescent illuminator, a 75 arc light dynamo and two 50 light 
Thomson-Houston machines. About 100 street lights are in operation in 
North Tonawanda, and about 40 private arc lights are kept going. F. 
S. Davis, the superintendent here, has been for a half dozen years past 
with the Thomson-Houston Co.. of Boston, and is a thorough electrician. 
The operating plant is on Tonawanda Island, in charge of S. A. Parish, 
engineer. Office opposite Sheldon Hotel. The general office of this 
company is in New York, with H. N. Curtis, manager, and every needed 
modern device in electrical invention is used here m order to supply a 
perfectly satisfactory illumination. 

THE STANDARD ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY 

Was organized about a year since in North Tonawanda, and purchased 
a five hundred light incandescent dynamo, which is located on the island 
and run by steam from the water works boiler. About three hundred 
lights of sixteen candle power are in use and giving a very satisfactory 
illumination. This, with the full arc system in operation, gives a metro- 
politan appearance to North Tonawanda. 

THE TONAWANDA ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWDER COMPANY 

Has been recently incorporated by Alex. C. Campbell and others, to be 
run with a current generated by the Niagara Falls Power Company, 
through the great tunnel development, which is to be completed about 
the middle of next year. There can now be no reasonable doubt but 
what this project will be carried to success, and electric power furnished 
to the Lumber City and Buffalo at a cost considerably below the price of 
steam power generated by coal. 

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, BICYCLES, ETC. 

The firm of Wilson & Wilson, electricians, make a specialty of elec- 
tric wiring, furnishing the incandescent lamps for all systems, electric 
bells, and all manner of electrical appliances. The Warwick Perfection 
Bicycle is kept on sale and repairs made on all machines. The firm 
have a shop with lathes, engine and machinery on Faulkner Street and 
office at 116 Main street. 

BRIDGES, PAVING, SEWERS, ETC. . 

The iron bridge connecting Main and Webster streets is the succes- 
sor of three others. The first was a temporary one, erected about the 
dawn of the present century, for military purposes. It lasted but a 
few years and for fifteen years a ferry was used. In 1824 a toll bridge 
was erected, with charter for 21 years. Later a third bridge was erected 
by the two counties which are connected, and which remained until 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 55 

superseded by the present solid structure, which is 300 feet in length, 
with a 26-feet roadway, and 7-leet sidewalks on either side. 

With the present season an iron bridge has been erected across 
EUicott Creek, on Delaware street, while an elegant structure is near- 
ing completion that will connect Delaware and Main streets across the 
Tonawanda. 

Considerable additional sewerage has been laid in Tonawanda the 
present year, and more than S1<XMXX3 expended in the years 1889-91 in 
Xorth Tonawanda. in extending and perfecting the sewerage system. 
Eleven miles of mains have been laid, ranging in size from lU to 42 
inches in diameter, under Franklin Warren, inspector, assisted byJ.D. 
Vandervoort. George B. Secord. for eleven years past a citizen of Xorth 
Tonawanda. keeps from ten to a dozen men employed in putting in 
lateral sewers with house connections. 

The brick pavements laid on Webster and Main streets a year 
since, are giving excellent satisfaction, and Goundry street is now being 
paved with the same material. The cinder from the iron furnace when 
rolled with the heavy street roller makes a roadbed which endures for 
years and Oliver street is to be paved on that plan. Many of the 
streets have a good gravel roadbed and scarcely need paving, while 
others are clay and need prompt attention. A considerable number ot 
our citizens are laying tiag or cement sidewalks. These are desirable 
and cheapest in the end. Good plank sidewalks if kept in repair are 
quite acceptable, but when rotten and torn up. as many in this city 
are found to be. they become an intolerable nuisance and should be 
abated. 

CITY WATER WORKS. 

The Tonawanda City Water Works Company was incorporated 
in 1SS5, with capital of SoO.OOD, while the plant to-day. including its 
system of piping and mains is valued at S3(X).000. The Holly system 
of pumps is used and a pressure of about forty pounds maintained for 
domestic use. while in case of fire the pressure is immediately raised to 
1<X' pounds or more, and as both towns are well supplied with hose a 
fire engine is seldom needed. The plant is located on Tonawanda 
Island, is in charge of A. A. Archer, as first engineer, and has a daily 
capacity of six million gallons, although the present consumption is 
but little more than one-fourth that amount. Over eight miles of 
mains have been laid in Tonawanda and nearly seventeen miles in 
Xorth Tonawanda, about 1.000 consumers being supplied and ooO fire 
hydrants established in the most convenient locations. The water 
supply IS secured from the never failing Xiagara River, eleven miles 
below its source, as the outlet of the great inland sea. (^Lake Erie) is 
clear as crystal, and the analysis found to be first-class. Xearly the 
entire Lumber City is underlaid with gravel, and wells within 10<]> feet 
of privy vaults or cesspools are liable to become contaminated, as has 
been shown from the fact that the sewerage system has in many places 
drained wells 1<XJ feet or more distant from the line. Physicians and 
scientists have proven that typhoid fever oftener results from drinking 
impure water than from all other causes, hence, in this kind of soil, in 



56 DESCRIPTIV^E SKETCH 

thickly settled portions of the city, well water becomes absoluteh' unfit 
for domestic use until boiled and filtered. The safest plan is to use 
city water. The officers of the company are B. L. Rand, Pres.; Geo. P. 
Smith, Sec. and Treas., and H. M. Fales, Sup. Mr. Fales is a native 
of Grand Island and graduate of DeVeaux College, of Suspension 
Bridge. The office is on Main street, opposite N. Y. Central depot. 

BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS. 

Notwithstanding the fact that it rec^uires considerable self denial to 
keep up payments during dull times, these institutions, when honestly 
conducted, are an acknowledged blessing, as they encourage small 
savings, and, in many instances, have laid the foundations for future 
homes which would not have been acquired otherwise. 

North Tonawanda Aid and Savings Association was incorporated in the 
sprmg of 1887 and has some sixteen hundred shares in operation. The 
officers are: Fred Sommer, President; H. U. Berger, Vice President; Jno. 
E. Oelkers, Treasurer, and F. Davies, Secretary. 

The Hmnestead Loan Association, of North Tonawanda, was organized 
May 1, 1890, and has about two thousand shares in force. Wm. Fletcher, 
President; L. G. Fuller, Vice President; A. L. Ebersole, Treasurer, and 
T. E. Stocum, Secretary. 

Niagara Savings and Loan Association, of Tonawanda, was organized 
June 2, 1890, and has a total holding of nearly three thousand shares. 
The executive officers are: E. G. Riesterer, President; Wm. Hardleben, 
Vice President; Louis Gruen, Treasurer, and E. W. Betts, Secretary. 

Mr. E. F Wilson represents the Wayne Buildijg, Loan and Accu- 
mulating Fund, of Palmyra, N. Y., of which a branch was established 
here in 1889. Seventy loans made in this place aggregate 850,000. 

John D. Wolf, No. 25 Young street, is agent for the Eastern Building 
and Loan Association, of Syracuse, N. Y., which appears to be doing 
business on a solid basis; is chartered for five hundred thousand shares; 
members pay seventy-five cents each month on a hundred dollar share, 
maturing in six and one-half years from date of entry. 

National Savings and Loan Association, of Rochester, N. Y. North 
Tonawanda branch organized October, 1890. Jas. H. Rand, Pres. ; A. 
W. Story, V. Pres. ; A. J. Hathaway, Sec. and Treas. 

IRONTON ADDITION.— With the advent of the Niagara River 
Iron Works in 1873 brisk times were anticipated and quite a large 
tract of land was platted into lots in that vicinity. As the furnace 
was discontinued in about a year, developments were practically at a 
standstill for more than a dozen years ; but North Tonawanda having 
grown in the meantime to the old corporation limits, when the furnace 
was re-opened in 1889, under a new and vigorous management, this 
land at once became desirable. It was purchased from Pratt c'^r Jewett 
by Geo. P. Smith and A. J. Hathaway, Oct. 15, 1889, replatted. and 
Jan. 1st, 1890, put on the market. Within a year 500 building lots 
had been sold and 100 houses erected. With June of the present year 
the Ironton Land Co. was incorporated with capital of §100,000 and 
everything bids fair for a prosperous career, as this is the river center 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 57 

of North Tonawanda corporation, and being traversed by all the rail- 
roads it cannot fail to secure prominent manufacturing interests. The 
Ironton addition is less than a mile from the North Tonawanda City 
Hall. With the Iron & Steel Works, the surrounding lumber interests 
and the bolt and nut works of Plumb, Burdict ct Barnard, which has 
recently been located on the adjoining property, this section of the 
city will make a convenient and desirable place for mechanics and 
business firms. It has the water supply, electric lights, and will soon 
be connected by the electric street car line. A double two story brick 
block for stores has just been completed on Oliver street, making a nice 
addition to the mercantile conveniences there, a S15,000 brick school 
house was erected a couple of years since, a church dedicated in August 
and this section has all the modern conveniences of the older part of 
the city. 

An electric street car company has been formed to connect the 
Tonawanda ct Buffalo line with the Niagara Falls system. This will 
probably be built the coming season from the Main street bridge, via 
Tremont and Oliver streets, through the Ironton and Gratwick district, 
to Felton street, and will make a great convenience to employes of the 
Ironton and Gratwick industries, who reside in the old corporation 
limits. 

The Second M. E. Church. — A class was organized in the Ironton 
district last year and Messrs. Smith c't Hathaway, at their own ex- 
pense, have erected and furnished a convenient place of worship, which 
with the lot is worth about 65,000. The class numbers about fifty and 
is in charge of Rev. W. A. V. E. Pattyson, Avho recently came to North 
Tonawanda from Ontario. The church was dedicated in August last. 

NORTH TONAWANDA LAND CO. 

The above company was recently incorporated (in .June, ISUIJ 
with capital stock of 8100,000, for the development of land adjacent to 
the Ironton Addition, and through the efiorts of its officers has secured 
the locating of the factory before mentioned. Geo. P. Smith is Presi- 
dent; A. .J. Hathaway, Secretary, and A. C. Campbell, Treasurer. Over 
200 acres are owned by this company, and the well known push of its 
officers and stockholders, Avith the fact of its location in the most feasi- 
ble manufacturing district, is a sufficient guarantee of its earl}^ devel- 
opment. This tract, in conjunction with the Ironton property and 
that of L. S. Payne, is sold with a clause in each deed prohibiting the 
sale or manufacture of spirituous liquors on the premises 

The bolt and nut factory before mentioned is a very important 
addition to this city, as it will use about 50 tons of wrought iron daily, 
give employment to about 600 men and distribute more for wages in 
our midst than any other industrial concern here. By a careful con- 
sideration of our transportation advantages, and other facilities for suc- 
cessful manufacturing, the proprietors of this well established plant, 
without other inducements, decided to remove their works from 
Buffalo to this city. The fact of sagacious business men. from the 
great metropolis of Buffalo, with an old established trade, having well 



58 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

built brick structures 400 feet in length, removing their base of opera- 
tions to this place, is a convincing argument in favor of its desirability. 
The firm of Plumb, Burdict c^' Barnard have purchased eighteen acres 
on the North Tonawanda Land Co.'s Addition, convenient to both the 
Erie and N. Y. Central tracks, and are making preparations for the 
prompt erection of buildings. As their work is one requiring skill in 
a special line, most of their workmen will be continued, and will 
doubtless remove their families from Bufialo to this place, thereby 
probably adding from 2,000 to 3,000 to the population of this place. 
Payne's addition to north tonawanda. 
Col. Lewis S. Payne has made a record here which, in connection 
with his present prominent land interests, is worthy of detailed notice. 
Born in Riga, Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1819, he came to Tonawanda 
August, 1836, clerked for four years, when he became proprietor of the 
store, married in 1840, and settled in Wheatfield town, of which he 
has been supervisor nine terms. About 1845 he engaged in the lum- 
ber business and in 1847 erected the first steam saw mill in this place. 
In 1850 Mr. Payne was elected county clerk and before the end of his 
four years' term purchased the 150 acre homestead where he now 
resides, at the crossing of Wheatfield street and Payne's avenue. For- 
merl}' a whig, in 1860 he became a Douglas Democrat and in 1861, he 
engaged in raising volunteers for the war, at his own expense 
forming Co. D of the 100th N. Y. Regiment, of which he was commis- 
sioned captain. His Company w^as put on scout duty and Capt. Payne 
had many thrilling encounters and hair-breadth escapes at the seat of 
war, losing two-fifths of his men during the first year of service. On 
August 3, 1863, while engaged in intercepting communications of the 
enemv, near Fort Sumter, he was attacked by a superior force, wound- 
ed and taken prisoner, and kept in close confinement at Columbia, S. 
C, until February, 1865. He was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel 
while a prisoner, but as the war closed a few weeks after his exchange, 
he returned home in April, 186-5. Col. Payne was again elected county 
clerk that fall, in 1869 elected Assemblyman, and in 1877 chosen Sena- 
tor from the Twenty-ninth District. He added to his homestead from 
time to time, sixty acres of which was in the corporation, and with the 
developments of the last few years the city has grown to his premises, 
surrounded and taken him prisoner. Not wishing to retard devel- 
opment he platted and placed on the market that within the old cor- 
poration limits, and this having nearly all been sold, his elegant or- 
chard, the highest ground in North Tonawanda, and other portions of 
his farm are now eagerly sought after by the real estate men. 

GRATWIOK. — Among the pioneers in the wholesale lumber trade 
of this place was W. H. Gratwick, who, in 1870, purchased fifty acres 
from Hon. John Simson and B. F. Felton, adjoining the Niagara River, 
about two miles below the mouth of Tonawanda C'reek, and started a 
lumber yard. A half dozen years later P. W. Ledoux built the sash, 
door and blind factory, which a few years later was purchased by Parks 
& Son, who operated the same until its recent purchase by HoUister 
Brothers. Mr. Gratwick erected a large planing mill in 1879, and from 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 59 

that time forward the place has steadily grown until it now has about 
1,000 inhabitants. The lumber and mill interests ot Gratwick, Smith 
& Fryer, Touawanda Lumber Co. and Hollister Brothers will be men- 
tioned on other pages. 

Augustus Miller. — After the lumber interests the next manufactory 
of importance in Gratwick is the wagon shop at the corner of Oliver 
and Felton streets. This was built in 1887 by August Miller, and 
besides doing all kinds of blacksmith and iron repair work, puts up a 
quantity of wagons, trucks, and other new work. Mr. Miller employs 
from five to ten men, and has added an important industry to Grat- 
wick, in a line of diversified manufacturing for which there is much 
room for development. 

Churches, Schools, Etc. — A class of the Methodist Episcopal church 
was organized in Gratwick in 1887, and the membership, a short time 
afterwards, commenced the erection of a church, which with lot, is 
worth about S3,000. This Avas dedicated in 1889 and has been in 
charge of Rev. J. S. Duxbury up to the present writing. 

St. Peter's German Evangelical church was organized April 5, 1888, 
by Rev. Kottler and the house of worship erected the same year. Rev. 
Conrad Bachman, who was educated at the mission school ot Basle, 
Switzerland, came to this charge in October, 1888, and teaches the paro- 
chial school. Some sixty families are connected with this church. 

Gratwick has a public school with about 100 pupils, a brass band, 
two hose companies and other societies ; numerous hotels, stores, coal 
oflices and abundance of saloons. It was made a part of North Tona- 
wanda corporation the present year, since which it has been placed in 
connection with the water mains, has electric lights and other corpora- 
tion advantages. 

Riverside. — From Gratwick station to the corporation limits on the 
west is nearly a mile, and as the river presents a graceful curve and 
nice beach in this vicinity, it has been proposed to call the station 
which will probably be located one and a half miles below Gratwick, 
"Riverside." Last year the Riverside Land Co. was incorporated and 
purchased forty acres on the north side of the Erie railroad, mostly 
within the new corporate limits. The oflScers are H. E. Warner, Pres. ; 
J. A. Kuck, of Buflalo, V. P. ; Charles W. Archibald, of North Tona- 
wanda, Sec, and L. Landauer, of Albion, Treas. 

Bluff Point. — E. A. Milliman, a farmer and contractor, of Wheat- 
field town, has been seven times appointed a deputy collector, which 
office he now holds. Mr. Milliman owns a handsome farm of 120 acres 
at Bluff Point, bounded on the west and south by the Niagara River. 
The river at this point has a clean gravel shore with high blufl, 
making a delightful place for a summer location. 

G. F. Goerss, also deputy collector, owns a fifty-acre farm near the 
mile line, which is handsomely located and will presently be within 
the radius of development. Last year he erected a dwelling in Grat- 
wick, Mr. Goerss was born in Wheatfield, and is authority on real 
estate values. He has been supervisor, -J. P., Justice of Sessions, and 
1887-8 a member of Assmbly. 



60 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

MARTINSVILLE AND SAWYER'S CREEK.— Several German- 
Prussian families who had started for Wisconsin, stopped at Bufialo, 
in 1843, for a Aveek of rest and while there were invited to look at lands 
in Wheatfield town. The place was rather uninviting, being heavily 
timbered, in many places covered with six to ten inches of water, and 
malaria everywhere present ; but these hardy Teutons were induced to 
purchase, at S15 per acre, from Wm. Vandervoort and John DeGraflf, 
400 acres of land along the banks of the canal, near the junction of 
Sawyer's Creek. The deeds were made to Carl Sack, Erdman Wurl 
and Fred Grosskopf and afterwards divided up between some thirty 
families, which has since increased to more than a hundred, with a 
present population in the village ol about 600. 

When the settlement commenced, a temporary church was built of 
six inch oak plank sawed by hand, which still remains and is used as 
a parsonage. An old log house was also used tor school purposes, Mr. 
J. Briest being the first teacher. The place was called Martinsville, 
in honor of the great Reformer, Martin Luther, and the frame church 
built in 1846 was named St. Martin's Church. A school house was 
erected about the same time. Rev. F. Plentz is pastor of St. Martin's 
and teacher of the school connected with the same. 

A division occurred in the congregation in 1861 and St. Paul's 
Church was erected. This is in charge of Rev. C. Grossberger, and has 
a school of more than 100 pupils instructed b}'^ Albert Dornfeld, who 
has been its teacher for seventeen years past. Mr. D. has also served 
as justice of the peace, postmaster, and is at present notary and one of 
the trustees of North Tonawanda, of which Martinsville is now a part. 
The late Erdman Wurl began boat building on Sawyer's Creek about 
1844, and turned out a number of canal boats. 

SAW AND PLANING MILLS. 

A])out the middleof the present century J. P. Hewitt, of Lewiston, 
erected a saw mill at Martinsville, which was purchased in 1856 by 
Wm. and Albert Dornfeld and Christian Fritz, the firm style being C. 
Fritz it Co. In 1860 Mr. Fritz sold to his partners and erected a mill 
on the present site, which is now operated by his son, Wm. F. Fritz, 
and sons-in-law, Louis Dornfeld and Chris. Kohn, under firm style of 
C. Fritz Estate. Krull Bros. & Dornfield in 1876 erected the Centen- 
nial mill for the manufacture of doors, sash, etc., which burned in 
1880. The planing mill of C. Fritz was built in 1879, and in connec-j 
tion with the saw mill which was rel>uilt in 1888, is doing quite an exj 
tensive business in custom work. The saw mill has a capacit}- o^ 
12,000 or 15,000 feet of lumber daily, its average output being but little 
more than half this amount. The firm secure their timber principally 
from J. S Bliss & Co., of Tonawanda, and make a specialty of filliuj 
bills for contractors. With their well fitted planing mill and skillec 
workmen, they are al)le to turn out the entire wood outfit for a build-j 
ing on short notice. About thirty-five workmen find employment witl 
the C. Fritz Estate mill, which is one of Martinsville's leading Indus'] 
tries. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 61 

FARM LAXDS, ETC. 

Since the extension of the city limits of North Tonawanda to in- 
clude the Martinsville district, a handsome engine house has been built 
at a cost of about 62,000, fire company of forty men formed and the 
engine formerly in the old corporation, placed here, where as yet they 
have not the water mains. Martinsville has awoke from her lethargy, 
modern cottages are going up on all sides, and farmers have com- 
menced to realize that, although taxes have increased from being in the 
new corporation, the value of land has increased still more rapidly. 
Many of the farmers are holding their lands at more than double what 
they would gladly have sold for a year since. The danger lies in 
holding for too high prices and thereby driving away development. 
Among the leading farmers of this vicinity are Wm. Krull, Wm. Boen- 
ing, Wm. Fritz, Gottleib Walck, Fred. Wurl, Fred, and Martin Kopp, 
Wm. Manth and others. Mr. Evans, of North Tonawanda, recently 
purchased a fine farm lying along Sawyer's Creek, and owns various 
tracts of real estate in the county and city. Geo. P. Smith has seventy- 
five acres about a half mile west of Saw^^er's station. Drs. Harris and 
Sinclair, of Tonawanda, own several desirable tracts in the vicinity of 
Martinsville, as well as smaller ones along the canal and the railroads 
between Martinsville and North Tonawanda stations which could be 
utilized as manufacturing sites. Armitage, Herschell & Co. also own 
a tract of 100 acres in the vicinity of Sawyer's station which is desir- 
ably located. 

Dr. J. E. Hehcig was born in Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., and came 
to this place April, 1891. He graduated from the University of Buffalo. 
Office at his residence. 

We cannot go farther into the details of Martinsville business, and 
will simply give the names of the leading business firms: Chas. 
Grosskopf, store; Ernst Jaenecke, storc and saloon; Fred Schultz, store 
and coal; Chris. Martin, grocery and hotel; .John Jaenecke, hotel and 
coal ; Ferdinand Ziehl, hardware and coal ; Chas. Rogge, blacksmith 
and wagon shop; Chas A. Graf, P. M., harness shop; Wm. Dornfeld, 
notary, drugs and paints ; Ernst Klemer, and Peter Nablo, contractors ; 
Albert Dornfeld, notary and teacher ; C. Fritz Estate, saw and planing 
mill; John Brookman, real estate agent; John Fohl, news agent and 
dealer in patent medicines. 

PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENTS.— Although settlement was 
commenced in North Tonawanda sixty-seven years ago, lots in the village 
of " Niagara" having been advertised July 5, 1824, as noticed on page 
17, yet there was no marked development until within the past decade. 
In another article we give the history of Col. Payne's addition, and here 
we will refer to the Sweeney interest. The Sweeney and Vandervoort 
families were the first resident owners of land in the old village limits of 
North Tonawanda. Jas. Sweeney purchased farm lots eighty-one and 
eighty-two June 14, 1824; subsequently conveying one-third interest to 
his brother, Col. John Sweeney,, and one-third to Geo. Goundry, an 
uncle of the latter's first wife. Wm. Vandervoort, a brother-in-law of 



62 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

Jas. Sweeney, purchased farm lot eighty June 7, 1S26. These three lots 
comprise three-fourths of the old corporate limits. Notwithstanding the 
fact that the original hand bills held forth the inducement of rapid travel 
by the canal then approaching completion, " leafving the canal at this 
place for stage coach for Niagara Falls and Lewiston every day, and every 
other day from the Falls to Lockport," yet sales were slow and investors 
far between. Although this tract had never been withdrawn from the 
market the developments east of Oliver street and north of Thompson 
were very tardy and none worthy of note had been made up to 1880. 
Nothing can bring more convincing proof of the rapid development of 
North Tonawanda than to make comparisons with former years. As late 
as five years since the progress had just reached Payne's avenue, while 
now this whole section has been transformed into a city up to and extend- 
ing beyond the old corporation limits on both the north and east lines. 
Stores, halls, hotels, offices, cottages and more pretentious residences 
have arisen on all sides, until there are but few vacant lots and these 
generally owned by some person intending to build in the near future. 
The lots and buildings, too, are generally owned or under contract by the 
tenant, so that the Lumber City is rapidly becoming a place of homes ; 
of neatly built cottages surrounded with handsome grass plats, rather 
than tumble-down tenement structures where workmen only stay until 
they can get away. This section of the place enjoys all the city con- 
veniences of the older portion. 

The principal part of farm lots 80, 81 and 82, before mentioned, re- 
maining undeveloped, belongs to James Sweeney, son of the original 
purchaser. The location is a gravelly ridge, with good natural drainage 
and with the system of sewerage, water, and electric lights, put in the 
present year, makes a desirable residence section. To persons desiring 
to secure a home, Mr. Sweeney takes payments extending from ten to 
twenty years. In order to preserve the natural grove on the east line, 
some 40 acres has been fenced in. A portion of this will be reserved by 
Mr. Sweeney for a residence of his own, while the remainder will be sold 
when needed. This tract is known as the "pine woods," and in the en- 
closure, with handsome surroundings, is found the office of the estate in 
charge of James Sweeney, Jr., as manager, where he can be found from 
3 to 6 p. m. each afternoon. 



MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. 

In observing the many advantages of this favored section of our 
state, it is a matter of wonder to the careful observer that there are not 
more general manufacturies in the Lumber City. While compiling 
the facts which will convey to the outside world a knowledge of our 
principal resources, we shall notice in detail some of the firms and 
individuals who are laying solid foundations for manufacturing suc- 
cess. The persons who are really doing something towards the general 
welfare are entitled to more credit than those, who, through the hand- 
ling of commodities or speculative investments, have brought sue- 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 63 

cess to their iadividual enterprises only. Iron in some form is in use 
by nearly every manufacturing establishment, and with wood may be 
called the real foundation of nearly every industrial concern. 

TONAWANDA IRON AND STEEL COMPANY. 

NIAGARA FURNACE. 

On the river bank, near where the above plant now stands, Joshua 
Pettit opened a rude tavern in 1810, little dreaming of the manufactur- 
ing developments which would later occupy the surroundings. The 
Niagara River Iron Co. was incorporated in 1872 with a paid in capital 
of $400,000, and 165 acres of land was purchased from the estate of M. 
Bush. The elegant engine and boiler house now in use was erected in 
1873. It is of brick, 68x74 feet, of proportionate elevation, and finished 
in tasteful style. In this is found two gigantic engines, 4x7 ft. stroke, 
of I. P. Morris & Co.'s make, estimated at 1,500 horse power each, and 
which work with apparent ease and grace. 

The main boiler house is 45x70 feet, containing ten ponderous 
cylinder boilers, each three feet in diameter by sixty feet in length, 
heated by gas manufactured at the establishment. These are supple- 
mented by six flue boilers of similar size. The former capacity of the 
furnace was fifty tons of pig iron per day. The original company run 
the furnace but a single year, after which it was idle for a long time ; 
but with the advent of the present company a new order of things 
prevailed. The Tonawanda Iron and Steel Company resolved to make 
Iron ton Furnace one of the best in the country. The old stack was 
torn down and a modern furnace was erected at a cost of $250,000. 
The bosh is 17 feet in diameter, and height of stack 76 feet, with steel 
jacket, accompanied by 3 Cowper-Kennedy stoves of modern make. 
Sixteen chartered vessels and others under contract, bring the Lake 
Superior ore direct to the Ironton docks, where it is unloaded by a 
Brown Hoisting Apparatus and conveyed to the furnace by machinery, 
as needed. Some 200 tons of coke is daily used, shipped direct by cars 
from Pennsylvania into the furnace yards. Limestone comes from this 
state. While the coke and stone cost a trifle more than furnaces in 
the coal regions have to pay, this is overbalanced by the handling of ore 
without breaking bulk, and the above firm are able to deliver a first- 
class make of pig iron in Erie and Niagara counties at lower figures 
than other concerns ; while in more remote places the}^ are fully able to 
compete in price and quality. A cast is made every 6 hours, the daily 
output ranging from 175 to 200 tons. The plant has over a half mile 
of dockage on the Niagara River, the buildings and yards covering some 
25 acres of ground, while in the various operations 150 men find em- 
ployment. No institution of the Lumber City better illustrates the pos- 
sibilities of successful manufacturing than the Tonawanda Iron and 
Steel Co. The frame store houses burned on July 10, at a loss of S35,- 
000, and are being replaced by substantial fire-proof structures. The 
hoisting apparatus, which was damaged b}' the wind storm of August 
9th to the extent of $10,000, has been fully repaired and made better 
than before. 



64 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

The officials of the company are : Wm. A. Rogers, president ; 
Archer Brown, vice-president; Geo. G. Hamilton, secretary; Wm. A. 
Gamble, treasurer ; W. B. Kerr, superintendent, and W. M. Mills, assist- 
ant secretary, covering a large experience in iron manufacture. 

TONA WANDA ENGINE & BOILER WORKS. 

ARMITAGE-HERSCHELL COMPANY. 

While the furnace transforms the iron from its crude state to the 
founders use, it is the engine and boiler maker that furnish machinery 
for motive power, and lays the foundation for manufacturing success. 
The history of all industrial establishments are largely inseparable from 
their proprietors. James Armitage, president of the above plant, is from 
England ; Allan Herschell, vice president, is a Scotchman ; as is his 
brother, Geo. C. Herschell, treasurer. These gentleman, all practical 
machinists, after locating in North Tonawanda, decided to make it a 
permanent home. Besides building homes and making large land in- 
vestments, they have ever been ready to assist in the development of 
plans, designed for the upbuilding of the place, and are interested in 
many of the Lumber City enterprises. Nearly twenty years ago they 
opened a small iron and brass foundry in rear of where the State bank 
now stands. Their shop was burned in 1874, re-erected and again 
burned in 1875. As their business had then gained a considerable pro- 
minence, the firm secured the present convenient site on Oliver street, 
opposite the Erie depot, where larger and more complete buildings were 
erected. The rapid increase of trade necessitates additional room and a 
handsome brick and iron, machine and pattern shop will be erected 
next season. In 1872 but a dozen machinists were needed, all told, 
while over 100 mechanics now find employment here, and the business 
output for this year will exceed $200,000. 

The principal occupation of the firm is the building of stationary 
and portable engines, stationary and portable boilers, saw mill machin- 
ery, feed and ensilage cutters, shaftings, pulleys, and all kinds of iron 
and machine work, as well as making castings. Natural gas is used in 
drying cores for foundry work. A full corps of expert pattern makers, 
carvers, mouldei'sand machinists are kept, all under the personal supervis- 
ion of the proprietors, whose long experience and actual connection with 
the business, render them particularly fitted to turn out first-class work. 

In 1887 this company conceived and planned a more complete and 
perfect Steam Riding Gallery than had ever been on the market before. 
The frame is made of 16 sweeps radiating from an iron hub, upon which 
is built the superstructure ; furnished with galloping horses, carriages, 
etc. It is made to revolve about a center pole, by a portable engine and 
boiler, connected with a steel cable, passing about the periphery of the 
machine. A handsome sweet toned organ, with operating image is fur- 
nished ; a tent 50 feet in diameter covers the whole, and altogether this 
is decidedly the best Steam Riding Gallery ever put upon the market. 
It has rapidly gained in popularity, the sales of 1890 showing 60 ma- 
chines, while the present year will reach about 100. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 65 

There is much more that might be said of the above estabhshment, 
but we will close by saying that for nearly a score of years it has been 
one of the prominent iron working industries of this place, and its con- 
tinued success is a good indication of the possibilities to be achieved in 
this line of manufacture. The Lumber City is highly favored by na- 
tural and acquired advantages for the largest manufacturing concerns. 

Tonawanda Spring Company, (see page 81.) 

TONAWANDA ROLLER MILLS. 

MCDONALD & EBERSOLE, PKOPRIETORS. 

In 1883 C. C. Grove and L. D, Ebersole, of Williamsville, erected 
and equipped the handsome four-stoiy brick roller mills on Mechanic 
street, opposite the Erie depot. The following season C. C. McDonald, 
purchased Mr. Grove's interest and after his death, in 1886, his sons. 
E. C, W. C. and G. C, continued to represent the interest. The 
mill is equipped with seventeen pairs of rolls and other modern 
machinery for the best pi-oduction of flour. The power is furnished 
by a hundred horse power boiler, of Armitage, Herschell & Co.'s man- 
ufacture, with engine of similar capacity, and with the condensing sys- 
tem, the vacuum produced by the exhaust is used to save power, re- 
quiring only eighty-five pounds pressure. Natural gas from the Stand- 
ard Gas Co. is used as fuel. Duluth hard spring wheat and the winter 
wheat of Erie and Niagara counties is principally used, and the pro- 
duct largely shipped to eastern cities. The capacity is over 200 barrels 
per day, and average an output of about 50,000 barrels per annum. 
This mill, while demonstrating the feasibility of shipping wheat from 
the upper lake region, manufacturing and sending the flour to the east, 
also furnishes the principal mart of trade among the wheat producing 
farmers of Grand Island, and adjoining sections of Erie and Niagara 
counties. Cash is paid, or flour given in exchange for wheat, and a 
stone is kept running to grind the corn and chop feed to the order of 
the customers. By careful attention to improved methods, this firm 
has succeeded, in these times of close competition, in creating a de- 
1 mand which has kept their mill running on full time, and by their 
success have added evidence that the Lumber City can be made a pros- 
perous maufacturing center. 

GRIST MILL, FLOUR AND FEED. 

FRANKLIN" GETZ, PROPRIETOR. 

Franklin Getz was born in Pennsylvania, but brought to this coun- 
ty in childhood. His father, Joseph Getz, having erected mills in Am- 
iherst in 1844, whore Franklin learned the trade which he has been 
identified with most of the time since. Some 35 years ago he located 
six miles east of this place, and the village that grew up there is known 
as Getzville. Fifteen years since he sold his milling interests in the 
country, and in 1883 purchased his present stand at the corner of Oliver 
and Mechanic streets. He has two runs of stone, grinding rye, corn and 
oats, and keeping flour, meal and feed for sale or exchange. Mr. Getz 
also handles stone and sand by the car load. 



66 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

TONAWANDA GRAIN ELEVATOR. 

L. G. FULLEK, PROPRIETOR. 

The man who provides an ever ready cash market for the products 
of the rural popuhition is worthy of the thanks of the community, and 
of such is Mr. L. G. Fuller, for 30 years a resident of this section, who, 
1882 erected the Tonawanda Grain Elevator on Mechanic street and 
opened a market, not only for wheat, barley and oats, but for hay and 
all kinds of marketable produce. This makes a great convenience to the 
farmers of this section of country, who can at once turn their products 
into cash when needed. Mr. Fuller stores the same and ships in car 
loads to his customers. He also deals in hemlock lumber. 

GRANITE, MARBLE AND STONE WORKS. 

J. 0. BALL, PROPRIETOR, 33 WEBSTER STREET. 

The nearness to Buffalo necessarily makes close competition in work 
of this line, but every city needs its local monument makei' and stone 
worker and this place has an enterprise in that line which compares 
favorably with much larger cities. John 0. Ball is a native of Ontario, 
and learned the marble cutter's trade in boyhood. He has conducted a 
business in that line for over a score of years, beginning in North Tona- 
wanda in 1877, and keeping a full variety, has held the field. Anything 
in the line of marble and granite work is produced. A large share of 
the monuments in the local cemeteries being of his handiwork. Mr. 
Ball also has some elegant specialties for mantel and other marble work. 
His stone yards on Goundry street turn out all descriptions of curb- 
stone and dressed building stone to the order of customers, thereby ma- 
terially aiding in the architectural beauty of the place. A considerable 
force of stone cutters are constantly employed by Mr. Ball, whose quick 
appreciation of the wants of customers has brought him a large patronage. 

SAND, LIME AND SEWER PIPE. 

H. A. ROSE, PROPRIETOR. 

H. A. Rose was born in Wheatfield and reared in this place. At the 
age of 16 years he volunteered in the 10th N. Y. cavalry and lost a leg 
in the service. For some years past he has been furnishing contractors 
and builders in the above line. Williamsville lime, Ohio white lime, 
sand, hair, plaster of paris, stone, sewer pipe in all sizes, water lime 
cement. King's Windsor cement, fire brick, etc., are furnished to the 
order of builders and contractors, a large assortment being kept on hand. 
An office is kept at the yards, corner of Marion and Goundry streets, and 
another at the south end of the N. Y. Central bridge on Young street. 
This trade is found to be a great convenience to builders and has steadily 
increased from year to year. 

CARRIAGE AND WAGON WORKS. 

STEVENS & MCINTYRE, PROPRIETORS. 

Among diversified manufactories, there is no line that is more uni- 
versally applicable than the above,and this institution becomes an im- 
portant one in the fact that it illustrates the possibilities in that direc- 
tion. The business was started in the centennial year, D. B. Stevens 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 67 

becoming a member of the firm in 1S79. Nearly everything in the line 
of vehicles is made to order, the stock work being carriages and 
sleighs. The trade has increased from year to year, and last 
year a three story addition 40x50 feet was made in order to provide 
more room for storage, painting, varnishing, etc. The plant is located 
on Sweeney street at the foot of Main, where about a dozen mechanics 
find employment. D. C. Mclntyre is a practical blacksmith and carriage 
ironer, whille Mr. Stevens was formerly engaged in the lumber business. 

BOILER WORKS, BLACKSMITHING AND WAGONS. 
This business was established eight years ago by John Mahar, a 
native of Buffalo, who continues to be the sole proprietor. The prem- 
ises are fitted for the production of marine, stationary and portable 
boilers, heavy plate work, smoke stacks, etc. Pipe and fittings are kept 
in stock and general blacksmithing done. 

Chas. P. Carey is a native of Niagara county, 25 years blacksmithing 
and 3 years ago engaged in business for himself. A year since he 
erected a two-story building on the railroad triangle, at the corner of 
Vandervoort and Thompson streets, where he does blacksmithing and 
wagon work. 

B. H. Pearce is a native of Niagara county, for ten years past in the 
blacksmithing trade. A year ago he opened up a shop on Vandervoort 
street in company with Mr. Adams and this year bought out his part- 
ner. He does general blacksmithing, repairing and new wagon work. 

TONAWANDA MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 



NIAGARA CIDER AND VINEGAR WORKS. 

YINEGAK, CIDER AND COMPRESSED YEAST. 

This business was started in 1873 by the firm of Sommer, Schaefer 
& Co. in a small way, but the trade soon began to grow and additions 
were made to the plant from time to time until 1887, when the entire 
block bounded by Clay, Chestnut and Second streets was built up and 
an immense factory, with a capacity of 30,000 barrels of vinegar per 
year, was established. 

In July, ] 887, an incorporated company with a capital of $100,000 
was formed, and bought the plant of Sommer, Schaefer & Co. The plant 
was destroyed by fire in September same year and a new factory, mostly 
of brick and stone, three and four stories high was built, covering the 
entire block, with a frontage of nearly 400 feet on Chestnut street, 300 
feet on Clay street and 200 feet on Second street. The plant is divided 
into four departments, viz : Three-story cider mill with four immense 
presses, large storage capacity and refining rooms, capacity of 30,000 
casks of cider per annum : Cider vinegar department, capacity 20,000 
casks per annum : Grain and malt vinegar department, with a full 
distilling mill and elevator outfit; capacity, 30,000 barrels per annum : 
Compressed yeast department, complete outfit; capacity, 500 pounds per 
day. The business of the Niagara Cider and Vinegar Works extends 



68 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

throughout the United States aud part of Canada, with an export trade 
to France and England. The cider and vinegar made by this factory are 
known to the trade as the finest in the market, most of the best pickling 
houses and mustard mills securing their supply of vinegar from this fac- 
tory. Their sweet and refined cider is also well known for its purity, flavor 
and keeping ([ualities. The manufacture of malt (compressed) yeast is a 
recent addition to the plant, and the trade has already grown to almost 
the full capacity of the factory. 

Altogether the Niagara Cider and Vinegar Works is the largest and 
most complete plant of its kind in the United States. It has a frontage 
on Niagara Eiver, the Erie Canal and railroad track, giving unsurpassed 
transportatian facilities. The present officers are : G. A. Schaefer, 
president ; J. C. Graves, vice president ; P. S. Humphrey, secretary ; 
C. A. Sommer, treasurer and general manager. The above, with H. L. 
Schaefer, M. Doll, C. A. Stein, H. J. Kreinheder, G. F. Hofheins, C. 
A. Bloomer and J. E. Oelkers are directors. 

NIAGARA RIVER BREWING CO. 

Fifty years ago beer was seldom sold as a beverage, save among the 
German population. In immigrating to America they brought along 
more or less of the customs of the " fatherland," and among other im- 
migrants came the beer brewer. The business has now a deep root in 
American soil, and we are told that thirty millions of barrels of beer are 
now annually made and consumed in this country. 

The brewery here was started in 1867, by Geo. Zent of Williams- 
ville, who emplo3^ed Prosper Peuquet, a Frenchman, who had then been 
at the business a dozen years in this country and who still remains at the 
head of the business in Tonawanda. The plant was purchased on Feb. 
15, 1883, by the Niagara River Brewing Co., of which our prosperous 
townsman, C. Sch winger, is president, and Martin Riesterer, president of 
the German-American Bank, serves as treasurer. With the new order 
of things and ample finance at command the entire plant was remod- 
eled. Recently two 20-ton ice machines have been put in at a cost of 
about $20,000. A 60-horse power boiler for each, fed from automatic 
duplex pumps, furnishes the steam, and the perfecting engines, with their 
immense ammonia tanks, for furnishing the evaporating process of re- 
frigeration, work to perfection in all departments. A 125-barrel copper 
kettle costing nearly $1,000 is the receptacle for the brewing process. 
Here the malt liquor is boiled and after being sent through a system of 
cooling pipes by which it is soon reduced from 212 to 40 degrees it is stored 
in the cellar hogsheads, of which there are about 60, holding from 40 to 60 
barrels each, where the temperature is kept near the freezing point during 
the process of maturing for use. The perfection of labor-saving machin- 
ery is such that although 12,000 bushels of malt are annually used here, 
together with 15,000 pounds of hops and four car loads of cerealine, 
producing about 6,000 barrels of beer, the services of fifteen men are 
required in its production and marketing. Nearly the entire product is 
sold to the home market. 



i 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 69 

BRICK YARD OF M. RIESTERER & SON, 

ox STATE DITCH NEAR DELAWARE STREET. 

This plant wliich commenced producing brick in August, will turn 
out nearly a million before the season closes, and is another evidence of 
the enterprise and business sagacity of Mr. Martin Riesterer, who has 
been so prominently identified with business interests of the "Lumber 
City'^ for 40 years past. The plant is furnished with a hundred horse 
steel boiler, of Tonawanda make, excellent engine, heavy Martin press 
brick machine, pug mill and crusher, which easily turn out 60 bricks per 
minute. The yards are fitted with all the conveniences for handling and 
storing the brick until they are burned and ready for market. Thirty 
acres of land with 6 to 10 feet of clay, form an almost inexhaustible sup- 
ply of raw material. The brick produced are of excellent make and 
good color. Another Martin machine will be added next season, and a 
represser as well. It is intended to make the output for '92 reach five 
millions. Thos. Sharp, who has the superintendence of the mechanical 
work is a brick maker of 28 years experience. Martin Riesterer, the 
senior partner, is the well known president of the German-American 
bank, while John M. , the son who was formerly in the wholesale meat 
trade of Tonawanda will have general charge of the yards. Some 25 
hands are employed at present and it is thought that the force will be 
doubled next year. A row of cottages for convenience of the employes 
of the firm will probably be erected on the grounds adjacent to the yards 
next spring. Mr. M. Reisterer will use a large share of this years' out- 
put in the erection of business blocks on S. Canal street. This firm 
have ample capital, is fully equipped for continuing a successful business, 
and Tonawanda may well be proud of an industry of this character and 
magnitude, as it gives employment to labor and keeps the money in the 
city, which would otherwise go to distant points. 

WYCKOFF WATER PIPE FACTORY. 

AYRAULT BROTHERS & CO., PROPRIETORS. 

An experience of over thirty years has demonstrated that for water 
pipe with an inside diameter from two to fourteen inches, wooden pipe 
is equal, and often superior, to cast iron. The business was com- 
menced in Tonawanda thirty four years ago by I. S. Hobbie, the firm 
name successively changing to Hobbie, Ayrault & Co.; Ayrault, Charlton 
& Co. , and in 1866 to its present style. The plant covers four acres of 
ground with numerous mills, shops, ware houses, etc., fully equipped 
with motive power and with augers from one and one-fourth to fourteen 
inches in diameter. The larger sizes are hollow and the cores produced 
thereby are again bored for smaller sizes of pipe. White pine with sap 
removed is used, in sections about eight feet in length, with tenon and 
mortice forming a perfect joint when driven together. After being 
sufficiently dried the pipe is coated with imperishable cement and banded 
by hoop iron until they are safe for a pressure of 200 pounds. Good 
evidence sustains the claims for the Wyckoff pipe as superior to cast iron 
on the following points : Cheaper, more durable, less expense to lay. 



70 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

connections more readily made, does not make water impure, and is not 
injured by mineral water. Less liable to freeze, (pipes have never been 
known to burst so but that eighty pounds of pressure could be carried). 
The freight is less, and in every important particular it is superior to iron 
pipe. This firm furnishes and lays complete systems of water works, 
and in addition to the forty or more men employed here, give employ- 
ment to laborers in whatever city they put in works. They have just 
completed a S10,000 plant at Holland, N. Y., and an $8,000 plant at 
Union City, Pa. 

Mr. Miles Ayrault, the senior member of the firm, has been for thirty 
years engaged in this trade, while his son, John, has been raised in the 
work, and Warren Ayrault has been fifteen years connected with the bus- 
iness. 

FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP. 

A native of Scotland, Mr. Gillie, emigrated to this place thirty-seven 
years ago, learned the machinists trade in boyhood, and a dozen years 
since erected the sliops adjoining the creek at the corner of Tonawada 
and Chestnut streets. The machine shop is 30x70 feet, equipped with 
lathes of all necessary dimensions, and other iron devices for making new 
work or doing any kind of repairs. The foundry is 40x60 feet, where all 
kinds of castings are turned out; and with direct connections to the 
Niagara Furnace of this city, iron of the requisite grade is secured bet- 
ter and cheaper than formerly, with a complete saving of time and 
freights. The engine and boiler room is fitted with the necessary power 
producing apparatus for the successful conduct of the work. A specialty 
is made in steering wheels and other boat castings, water works pipe, 
builders' columns, etc. Although as before said, any kind of casting is 
produced lo the order of customers, or machinery made to special pat- 
tern. Twenty to twenty-five skilled mechanics find employment here, 
and, as Tonawanda develops into a manufacturing city, Mr. Gillie's shops 
and other like concerns will doubtless be compelled to enlarge their 
sphere of action. 

The plant recently purchased by J. Bordman, and under the super- 
intendence of W. A. Hartwig, is also fitted up as a foundry and 
machine shop. 

BOAT BUILDERS. 

A. B. Williams, prominent in this trade, is mentioned under head 
of "Lumber, Timber and Mills." 

/, M. Rose has a very convenient and well fitted boat-building estab- 
lishment on Fillmore street, in which twenty-three canal boats were built 
last winter. The plant is also fitted with machinery, planes, saws, etc., 
reqiiisite for sash and blind work. 

Henry Whitefield is conducting a successful dry dock and boat build- 
ing enterprise just above the mouth of Ellicott Creek, where he keeps 
twelve to twenty-five men employed. 

J. M. Annis, Thos. Mulhall, and others also engage in the work 
during the winter season. 



OP THE LUMBER CITY. 71 

BLACKSMITH AND WAGON SHOPS. 

CJias. G. Martin learned the smith trade in Germany over forty 
years a^o, and has been in business in Tonawanda since 1864, doing gen- 
eral blacksmithing and wagon repair work. He has a building for each. 

Hubert Sclimiiz is from Germany, and ten years blacksmithing in 
Tonawanda. Last year he erected a 30x30, two and one-half story wagon 
shop and has every convenience for repairs. 

Geo. P. Gillie, Peter Dahl, J. S. Kearn, C. 0. Perine and others, do 
horse shoeing, blacksmithing and repair work. 



®"Preserve this Pamphlet for future use. 



LUMBER, TIMBER, AND MILLS. 

On pages 26-8 we have given lumber statistics, which show the 
magnitude of shipments, and here we will proceed somewhat in detail 
regarding this leading interest of the Lumber City. While the whole- 
saling of lumber, shingles, etc., cannot be classed as manufacturing, and 
has not the permanent basis for the continued upbuilding of the place 
to be found in industrial pursuits proper, yet the planing mills connect- 
ed with the majority of the larger establishments, and the employment 
given to hundreds of men, in unloading, sorting and reshipping lumber, 
has been a principal source of revenue to this place, while the cheapness 
and facility with which all kinds of lumber and timber can be secured 
here, is one great argument in favor of starting any kind of manufactur- 
ing requiring large amounts of wood. The economical conversion of 
timber into the material required by the builder cannot be overestimat- 
ed, and the saw, planing, lath and shingle mills have gone through a 
rapid process of evolution, until the observer is now struck with amaze- 
ment in seeing how quickly a log is pulled from the river and manufac- 
tured into the various commodities for building. Col. L. S. Payne 
opened the pioneer steam saw mill here in 1847, on the site now occu- 
pied by Jos. Jackson's mill. Upon the advent of the Cleveland Com- 
mercial Go's business here in '49, additional lumber was needed for 
building houses and docks, and about 1850 Merit Crandall started a 
mill, in which B. F. Betts became a partner in 1854. Simson, Woolson 
and Whaley also started mills some time in the fifties. Butts & Co., 
and others, engaged in the stave trade, while Brunson & Co. were heavy 
dealers in square timber, and brought a cargo of lumber from Canada in 
'57. John A. McDougal & Co. also handled timber and lumber before 
the war. In 1865 B. F. Betts secured a cargo of lumber, and from that 
time forward this commodity continued to be handled in greater quan- 
tities for sale and re-shipment, until in its magnitude the Lumber City 
to-day discounts all American places, excepting Chicago, as a lumber 
market. To handle successfully the millions of lumber shown in tables 
on page 27, requires not only large capital, but a long experience and 
general knowledge of the business. We shall now^ proceed to mention 
facts regarding the principal firms. 



72 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

A. B. WILLIAMS. 

SAW AND PLANING MILLS, SASH, DOORS, ETC. 

One of the pioneer plants in the lumber trade of Tonawanda is 
that which is conducted b}' A. B. Williams, who has been in the busi- 
ness for more than a quarter of a century. In 1.^65, in company with 
A. G. Kent, Mr. Williams purchased the mill which Merrit Crandall 
had built some fifteen years before, and later the mills of Fred Smith 
and Robert Koch were added to the concern. Mr. Kent sold his inter- 
est to C. Brewster in 1877, which after Brewster's death, in 1880, was 
purchased by E. Morse, running under firm style of A. B. Williams (!c 
Co., until 1878, when Mr. Williams became the sole owner. 

The mills have been entirely rebuilt and furnished with modern 
machinery, one having been fitted entire for dressing lumber and tim- 
ber in any quantities, and from one-half inch to twelve inches in 
thickness by twenty inches in width. Every facilitv is furnished here 
for the successful manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, newels, mould- 
ings, brackets, or any wood work required in house or boat building. 

A prominent feature of the business is boat building, and Mr. 
Williams is especially prepared to contract for any kind of canal boats, 
tugs, lighters, barges or vessels. His works are located on EUicott 
Creek, with direct canal connections, and traversed by tracks from the 
N. Y. Central and Erie railways. Bridge building timber of pine or 
oak, in all sizes up to eighty feet in length, is produced, as well as the 
best of material for boat sides, the facilities for furnishing anything in 
this line being unsurpassed by any mill in the state. Mr. Williams 
makes a specialty of getting out bills to order, large or small, nnd there 
is practically nothing in the timber line, from a hundred feet spar to a 
shingle but what he can furnish. His timber comes in immense rafts 
from Michigan and Canada, covering white and Norway pine, hemlock, 
oak, etc., and in his booms may be found from one to four million feet 
from which to select. Of lumber, this plant also handles from three to 
four million feet annually. With an Invincible Dryer, and all modern 
machinery, contractors can have any reasonable requirement filled at 
once. An electric light dynamo is in operation and a natural gas well 
on the premises. The office of the plant is found at the east end of 
the Fremont street bridge at crossing of Young street. Mr. Williams 
may justly be proud of the success which his business has attained, as 
it gives employment to seventy-five or more men, and is an important 
factor in Tonawanda's industrial development. 

EASTERN LUMBER CO. 

WHOLESALE LUMBER DEALERS. 

This company was incorporated in May, 1886, with a capital stock 
of $300,000, and engaged in business as wholesale lumber dealers. 
Twenty-eighth acres adjoining Ellicott creek was purchased by the 
corporation, and this entire lot is now well covered with nearly thirty- 
five millions of feet of lumber which is kept in stock at this season of the 
year. The machinery consists of two Independent Dryer Co.'s kilns of 
20,000 feet daily capacity, planing mill fully equipped with boilers, 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 73 

Electrolyses 350 horse power engine, with 12 machines, and allthe requisite 
saws and other devices for successfully meeting the wishes of the trade. 
Both pine and hardwood lumber are handled, and about 150 men here 
find emi^loyment in loading and unloading from barges, and other 
handling of the lumber. The officers are : Jacob Beidler, president ; 
B. F. Ferguson, vice president; Francis Beidler, secretary; M. M. Darr, 
treasurer and Tonawanda manager. The business transacted by the 
Eastern Lumber Company has been a material factor in the prosperity 
of Tonawanda. 

FASSETT & BELLINGER— LUMBER FORWARDERS. 

OFFICE, HAMP BLOCK, COR. MAIN AND YOUNG STREETS. 

The above house is doubtless the most extensive forwarding concern 
east of Michigan, their handlings for 1890 reaching the enormous 
figures of 98,500,000 feet of lumber. The trade was commenced by 
Goodrich & Bellinger in 1878, Jas. A. Fassett, a native of Albany, who 
had been in the lumber trade of Tonawanna since 1873, taking Mr. 
Goodrich's place in 1882. A. A. Bellinger was reared in Tonawanda 
and served as president of the village for several terms. The firm occupy 
some 3,000 feet of dockage and over 200 men are required in re- 
ceiving cargoes of lumber, lath, shingles, etc., at this port, which are at 
once transferred to canal boats or cars for shipment to eastern points. 
Messrs. Fassett & Bellinger are experienced lumberman, backed by am- 
ple capital, and have gained a marked prominence as receivers and for- 
warders at this port, thereby assisting in Tonawanda's record as a lum- 
ber City. 

P. W. SCRIBNER— WHOLESALE LUMBER. 

YARDS ON RIVER ABOVE T0NA^VAND\ CREEK. 

For 25 years P. W. Scribner has been in the lumber trade, locating 
in Tonawanda in 1874, with increasing success which has brought him 
to the front rank as a lumber dealer, his annual transactions now being 
above 75 million feet and requiring the services of nearly 200 men. His 
extensive yards between the Erie Canal and Niagara River are traversed 
by the N. Y. C. tracks and have abundance of water front. The steady 
increase of this trade since its advent 17 years ago is a matter of pride to 
our city and reflects credit upon Mr. Scribner as a lumberman. A year 
or two since the wholesaling of coal was established in connection with 
his trade, which gives lumber vessels a chance to load here for a return 
trip, as well as at Buffalo. A steam derrick is in operation and Mr. 
Scribner has arrangements with prominent mine and transportation 
companies which enables him to successfully compete with the Buffalo 
coal trade. 

GEO. E. HILL'S PLANING MILL. 

FOOT OF TONAWANDA STREET. 

Geo. E. Hill, a native of Maine, for twenty-five years past a mill 
man, successor to Homer & Daniels, occupies the pioneer planing site of 
Tonawanda, Mr. Wm. Everson having commenced the planing of lumber 
and furnishing of pickets from this location some time in the fifties. 



74 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

The present mill is fitted up with modern machinery and gives employ- 
ment to from twenty to thirty men, turning out a daily average of 50,000 
feet of dressed and matched lumber. The plant has 900 feet of dockage 
on Tonawanda Creek and the Niagara, with railroad connection giving 
ample transportation facilities. Custom planing, receiving and forward- 
ing is done; and, as Mr. Hill has ample storage room, he will rent for 
lumber yards or possibly engage in the trade next year in connection 
with the planing business. The damages caused by the fire of Septem- 
ber 10th have been fully repaired and made better than before. The 
dock here is the one used for river passenger traffic from this port. 

SCANLON, BUSH & CO., EAFTEKS. 

A business of no mean importance in Tonawanda is the handling of 
the immense rafts of timber, composed of many sections, which are towed 
across the lake and to this port, chained together. M. Scanlon, a native 
of Ireland, has been for a quarter of a century the leader in the trade 
here of recpiving, sorting and re-raftiig these logs, for storage or sale to 
dealers. The firm employs from fifteen to twenty-five men in the busi- 
ness. The chains are removed and the rafts made into convenient size 
for passing through the canal locks so they can be transported to Albany 
or New York if so desired. The chains taken out are stored until a 
hundred tons or more are on hand, when they are returned to the lumber 
districts of Michigan or Canada for service as before. Mr. Scanlon has 
an interest in several tugs and has real estate in various sections of Ton- 
awanda. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees for sixteen 
years past, and is an active worker in municipal affairs. 

SHINGLE MILLS. 

The planing mill formerly owned by Romer & Vilhauer, on Young 
street, was refitted in 1885 by R. E. Fowler, of Ontario, and M. E. Hewitt, 
a Tonawanda lumberman, as a shingle mill. The firm use the timber of 
J. S. Bliss & Co., making shingles under contract, and having a capacity 
of about 150,000 per day. Jas. Woods also owns and operates a shingle 
mill of still larger capacit}", located near the above, the output being 
controlled by J. S. Bliss & Co. 

NORTH TONAWANDA-TIMBER. LUMBER AND MILLS. 

J. S. BLISS & CO. 

TIMBER AND SHINGLES. 

The oldest mill now standing in this place is the one in use by J. 
S. Bliss & Co., as a shingle mill, on the north side of Tonawanda creek, 
just below the lower bridge. This was erected in 1853 by John and 
James Sweeney as a grist mill, and during the war, when whiskey 
revenue was high, was converted into a distillery. After serving its time 
in that connection it was remodeled into a shingle mill by the late John 
Batt. The rafting of logs from Canada and other lake points was com- 
menced in the early sixties by Hon. H. P. Smith, and has now become 
an important industry here. The mammoth rafts, several hundreds of 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 75 

feet in length, chained together, are brought by tugs here and taken 
from the river direct to the mills as needed. Mr. Bliss has been in the 
business for 18 years past. The firm of J. S. Bliss & Co., was formed 
in 1876, by the assodation of Frank and Michael Batt with J. S. Bliss, of 
Buffalo. Owning a large shingle mill, with two more under con- 
tract, this firm has a capacity for turning out over 600,000 shingles in a 
single day. They raft about 12 million feet of round pine timber by 
lake annually, owning the steamer Samson, which is engaged in this 
trade. About 200 men find employment with this firm. Spars and 
timber are furnished to other millmen in any size or quantity required. 
The Batt brothers, Frank and Michael, are natives of Erie Co., and have 
been in the shingle trade for 20 years. J. S. Bliss is a resident of Buf- 
alo, president of the Union bank of that city, and has been connected 
with the timber business for 18 years past. 

A. M. DODGE & CO., 

ROUGH AND DRESSED LUMBER AT WHOLESALE. 

The firm of A. M. Dodge & Co. was organized in New York city 
some 15 years ago, but did not commence business here until 1883, 
three years later erecting their extensive mill. The members of the 
firm have saw and planing mills at Georgian Bay, also in Michigan and 
Wisconsin. The large planing mill at the foot of Goundry street was 
erected in 1885, and has 16 machines with total capacity for dressing 
200,000 feet per day. The shingle mill has a daily capacity of 40,000. 
The storage capacity here is from 50 to 60 million feet, about two-thirds 
of that amount being an average stock on hand. From 225 to 250 men 
find employment in the mills and yards of this firm in the Lumber City, 
the pay roll averaging $2,500 per week, which largelv goes to the coff"ers 
of Lumber City merchants. The firm is composed of H. A. Crane, of 
Buffalo, and A. M. Dodge, of New York. Fine offices are occupied by 
this firm over the Lumber Exchange bank, where a full force of experi- 
enced clerks take charge of the clerical work. 

TONAWANDA LUMBER AND SAW MILL COMPANY. 

INCORPORATED JUNE, 1891, CAPITAL STOCK, So00,000. 

George P. Smith, for many years engaged in the mill and lumber 
business of Michigan, in 18S5 located in North Tonawanda and with 
others incorporated the N. Y. Lumber and Wood Working Co., the 
predecessor of the Tonawanda Lumber Co. June 10, the Tonawanda 
Lumber and Saw Mill Co. was organized and purchased the lumber 
y^rds of the Tonawanda Lumber Company and the saw mills of the 
Jackson Lumber Co. in North Tonawanda. 

The mills recently purchased by this company were built in 1890, 
of iron and brick at a cost of about $125 000, equipped throughout with 
modern machiner}^ and have a capacity for producing 50,000 feet of 
lumber, 16,000 lath and 30,000 shingles daily. Five boilers, with the 
requisite engines, furnish about 300 horse motive power. The plant is 
on the bank of Niagara River, with its own private boom, from which 
the logs are pulled by machinery, and handled throughout by steam 



76 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

power, which reduces them to the builders" use in «hort order. In the 
yard and mill about eighty hands find employment. The slabs and 
short pieces are made into lath or' shingles while the shavings and 
refuse are used for fuel, so that nothing goes to waste. The annual 
output of the Tonawanda Lumber and Saw Mill Co. is about twenty 
million feet, and the average stock on hand one-third this amount, al- 
though the company has storage capacity for the shipments of a whole 
3'ear. The yards extend on Thompson street from Vandervoort to 
Payne's Avenue and are traversed by one and one-half miles of rail- 
road tracks. An average of 150 men are on the pay rolls of the com- 
pany and the amount distributed to laborers for weekly wages assists 
in swelling the grand total of North Tonawanda transactions. Geo. 
P. Smith is president of the company ; A. H. Ivins, of Lockport, vice 
president; W. F. Weiss, recently of New York, is secretary and treasurer. 

GRATWICK, SMITH & FRYER LUMBER CO. 

WHOLESALE LUMBER AND SHINGLES. 

Among the pioneer lumber dealers of this place was Wm. H. Grat- 
wick, who removed from Albany to this place in 1870, and established 
the yards in the district which now carries his name, although at this 
time a part of the corporation of North Tonawanda. The above com- 
pany was incorporated in 1880, and in the magnitude of its operations, 
it ranks among the first, having last year handled 72,000,000 feet of 
lumber, all manufactured by the mills of this firm in Michigan, and 
transported to Tonawanda on barges belonging to the company. The 
firm has 2,000 feei of dockage at Gratwick, the planing mill there mak- 
ing an average handling of 1,000 feet daily. Edward Smith, of Detroit, 
a partner in the firm, looks after the Michigan interest, while Robt. L. 
Fryer, of Buffalo, assists in the business here. C. J. Fillmore, who has 
been with the firm since its organization, has charge of the office busi- 
ness in the absence of the proprietors. From 200 to 300 men are em- 
ployed in the various operations of the firm at this point, and the mag- 
nitude of its operations has assisted largely in making this place famous 
as a lumber centre. 

HOLLISTER BROTHERS' COMPANY, LTD. 

"WHOLESALE LUMBER, ETC. 

Messrs. Geo. C. and G. A. Hollister, of the above firm, have been in 
the lumber trade at Rochester since 1872, succeeding to the business 
formerly conducted b}' their father and grandfather. The business at 
this place was organized under the limited partnership law, January, 
1889, with capital of S450,000, which on September 1, '90, was increased 
to $600,000. The yards cover twenty-five acres with dockage front of 
3,000 feet. Western pine lumber, lath and shingles are handled exten- 
sively, dressed lumber and mouldings being furnished in any quantity 
from their extensive mills. The average annual receipts rnd shipments 
are over 50,000,000 feet, representing a value of a million dollars. The 
stock on hand is 25,000,000 to 30,000,000 feet. An average of 150 men 
are employed, and with extensive docks and railroad trade giving every 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 77 

facility for prompt shipment, this company is prepared to fill the largest 
order on short notice. Geo. C. Hollister is President, E. Hallenbeck, 
Vice President; G, A. Hollister, Treasurer, and AV. H. Gilbert, Secretary. 
The Hollister brothers reside in Rochester, but have extensive interests 
in this place aside from the above. Messrs. Hallenbeck and Gilbert reside 
at Saginaw, Mich., where they have abundant facilities for securing lum- 
ber, etc., at the lowest ruling prices. 

L. A. KELSEY I.QMBER CO. 

MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN HARDWOOD LUMBER, 

The above company established the first hardwood lumber trade of 
this place in 1886, handling about three million feet the first year, and 
steadily increasing each year until the the output of 1890 showed 18,000, 
000 feet. From five to eight million feet is regularly kept in stock, of 
the various kinds and grades, about fifty men being employed in its 
handling, and an average of one hundred cars or more shipped per 
mouth. This company have a shed of 3,000,000 feet capacity, for stor- 
age of dressed lumber, such as flooring, ceiling, wainscoting, extra stock, 
etc. They also have a yard in Union City, Ind., where stock is collected 
and shipped direct to customers, thereby being able to save freights and 
re-handling, and meet the wants of their numerous customers for any- 
thing in their line. Office is on Mam street, opposite the N. Y. Central 
depot. The officers are L. A. Kelsey, Pres. ; Orren Weston, V. P. ; G. 
C. Hollister, Treasurer, all experienced lumbermen. The transactions 
of this company have added an important branch to the lumber industry 
here, and the business sagacity displayed has brought a well merited suc- 
cess, which has continued this firm as the leading one in hardwood lum- 
ber dealings. Mr. Weston owns and operates a large and well equipped 
planing mill in connection with the above interests. 

J. & T. CHARLTON'S MILL. 

OFFICES ON THOMPSON AND TREMONT STREETS. 

With the march of civilization and the unique developments in arch- 
itecture, mills specially fitted for interier finish work have become a ne- 
cessity, and perhaps no superior to the above can be found in the State. 
Fitted with 57 machines, of which many single machines operate a num- 
ber of different style, size and device tools, the plant is able to furnish 
the most elaborate and difficult designs for interior finish. The mould- 
ings, veneers, and other hard wood finish turned out by this firm are of 
the highest grades and are now largely used by heavy contractors in the 
city of New York. The mill was built by Charles Williams, and five 
ye'ars since fitted with a 150 horse power Mahar steel boiler. Fifty to , 
sixty hands are employed in this manufactory, and the success of the 
firm has met the most sanguine expectations of its proprietors. John 
and Thomas Charlton have been in the timber business in this place for 
over 23 years, the senior member coming here in 1862. They own the 
timber rights of 300,000 acres of pine lands in Canada, large tracts of 
hardwood lands in Michigan and three tug boats which are employed in 
towing on the lakes. 



78 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

TONAWANDA ISLAND LUMBER DISTRICT. 

SMITH, FASSETT & CO., OWNERS OF ISLAND 

In 1833, the East Boston Company, for the white oak timber, pur- 
chased 3,000 acres of Grand Island, opposite to Tonawanda, at $16,000. 
An extensive mill, equipped with gang saws, was erected, and Stephen 
White, the manager of the company, purchased Tonawanda Island as 
his home, and erected the mansion which still stands. The company 
shipped east, via canal boats, and did a thriving trade until the financial 
crash in 1836-7 paralyzed the industry. Later Wm. Wilkeson, of Buffalo, 
became owner of the Island, and from him Smith, Fassett & Co., who 
had been in the lumber trade since 1872, purchased it in 1883. It was 
soon afterwards cleared of its forest timber, and has now become one of 
the busiest lumber centres in the world. The island comprises 85 acres 
at the mouth of Tonawanda creek, and assists in forming our excellent 
harbor. It has 8,600 feet of docks, which will be extended somewhat, 
making about 2 miles of water front. A substantial draw bridge, erect- 
ed by the N. Y. Central R. R., connects with the main land, and tracks 
extend to all the lumber yards on the Island. The water works and 
electric light plants are also on the island. Messrs. Smith & Fassett do 
strictly a wholesale lumber and shingle trade, handling annually over 
30,000,000 feet of lumber and more than 40,000,000 shingles, which are 
principally shipped from the West and sold to eastern points. From 65 
to 75 men are employed and the magnitude of the trade is an important 
factor in Tonawanda's record as a lumber center, while the enterprise of 
its proprietors in making a business mart of the Island has assisted large- 
ly the development of the city. 

W. H. SAWYER LUMBER CO. 

WHOLESALE LUMBER AND SHINGLES. 

In January, '87, the above company, was organized with W. H. 
Sawyer, of Wooster, Mass., as president; Chas. E. Redfern, of Winches- 
ter, Mass , secretary ; while A. C. Tuxbury, of Maine, who has for ten 
years past been connected with the lumber trade of North Tonawanda, 
is treasurer and Tonawanda manager. The firm secured grounds on 
Tonawanda Island and have made a city of towering lumber piles. Offices 
of modern structure, conveniently and superbly furnished, grace the front 
of the plant, while the planing mill in the rear, furnished with a dozen 
machines, has a capacity for dressing and matching nearly 200,000 feet 
of lumber daily. The annual handlings are thirty five to forty million 
feet of Michigan pine, which is largely shipped to the New England 
states. This company also furnishes any design of dimension shingles, 
lath, etc., employing in their various operations from 160 to 180 hands. 
Through the magnitude of its operations the above firm has gained a 
marked success, and have received justly merited praise for the enter- 
prise which founded and the ability which directs its operations. 

SKILLINGS, WHITNEY & BARNES. 

WHOLESALE LUMBER DEALERS. 

The establishment of this firm in Boston dates back to 1856, by C. 
& D. Whitney Jr. & Co. Later Mr. Skillings became a partner, and 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 79 

subsequently Mr. Barnes, when it became the Skilliugs, Whitney & 
Barnes Lumber Co. In June, 1890, the extensive plant of Hall & Buell, 
on Touawanda Island, was purchased and capital stock raised to 11,000,- 
000, Mr. Hall becoming a large stock holder and director. The com- 
pany have mills at Burlington, Vt., and Ogdensburg, N. Y., own a num- 
ber of large vessels, have 1,300 feet of dockage on Tonawanda Island, 
with the most approved appliances for handling stock, of which 40,000,- 
000 feet is an average annual output. The yards are conveniently con- 
nected with the extensive custom planing mills of Robertson & Doebler, 
mentioned elsewhere. David Whitney, president of the company, re- 
sides in Detroit, Mich, ; Henry L. Tibbetts, treasurer, has charge of the 
Boston headquarters; W. L. Proctor, general manager, resides at Og- 
densburg, and Geo. S. Dailey is manager at Tonawanda. There are 
other local offices in charge of efficient men. Backed by a large capital, 
and with experienced men looking after every department, the above 
company is fully prepared to do its share of trade. 

ROBERTSON & DOEBLER. 

CUSTOM PLANING MILL. 

To accommodate general custom and severallumber firms which have 
no planing attachments, the above firm was formed in 1888 and 
leased the Howes and Evans' mill. W. W. Robertson had been a life- 
long mill man ; Chas. G. Doebler was no novice in the business, and the 
sterling business qualities of the firm brought prompt success. In 1889 
a large and modern equipped planing mill was erected on the island, 
which has since been added to, until there are few mills in the country 
that do more or better general planing than the above. From forty to 
fifty men are given employment here, and 100,000 feet or more of planed 
lumber turned out daily. With convenient railroad tracks, modern 
machines and prompt appreciation of the business wants of its customers, 
this firm is reaping the rewards of justly merited success. 

W. E. MARSH & COMPANY. 

DRESSED MAPLE FLOORING, ETC. 

The above firm commenced the lumber business in North Tona* 
wanda some three years ago, and has met with an encouraging trade. 
They have a convenient dockage on the Niagara River, with railroad 
tracks to their yards and every focility for receipts and shipments. L"n- 
loading of barges, etc., is done by contract work, some thirty men or 
more being employed. A leading specialty of the business is the pro- 
duction of kiln-dried maple flooring. W. E. Marsh, of New York, with 
C. R. Palmer, of Burlington, Vt., compose the firm, the main office being 
at 82 Wall street, New York. Fred A. Myrick, for ten years in the lum- 
ber trade of this place, is the efficient manager. 

Pioneer Planing Mill. — This plant, formerly owned by Vincent & 
Hittel, was purchased a year ago by F. A. Myrick. It is well fitted and 
equipped, having dry kilns and a capacity for dressing about 75,000 
feet of lumber each da}', the average run being about 50,000 feet, and 
requiring the assistance of twenty-five to thirty men. 



80 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

KESSLER-RISSEL LUMBER CO. 
W. H. Kessler & Son opened in the lumber trade in this place in 
1887, and the firm style was changed in April, 1890, to the above title. 
Mr. Kessler, the president of the company, is a resident of Philadelphia, 
where he looks after the interests of the house, while J. W. Rissel, treas- 
urer, is in charge of the North Tonawanda office on Main street, corner 
of Robinson. White pine lumber, timber, lath and shingles are the 
products shipped from this point and are furnished in any quantity de- 
sired. Flooring and finishing lumber are forwarded direct -from the 
mills of the south, while poplar, hardwoodS;, cypress shingles, etc., are 
also shipped, under contract, direct from the manufacturers of the west 
and south, to customers of the Kessler-Rissel Lumber Co. By close 
attention to the wants of customers this company has built up a large 
trade, much of their business not coming under the record of Tonawanda 
shipments. 

PLUMSTEEL, GILLESPIE & HIMES, 
This firm is composed of practical lumbermen, and although started 
less than two years ago, have already secured a fair share of trade. 
They handle not only the usual pine and hemlock, but the different hard- 
woods, lath, shingles, pickets, etc. Their lumber comes from Canada, 
Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and is principally shipped to 
eastern points, two salesmen being kept on the road to look after the 
outside interests. The recognized practicability, industry and integrity 
of all the members of this firm give assurance of a steady growth in 
business, as every care will be taken to keep abreast of the times and give 
personal supervision to the wants of customers. 

C. H. CLAPHAM. 

The planing mill at the crossing of the Erie railroad and Lockport 
branch of the N. York Central, near Oliver street was formerly occupied 
by Robertson & Doebler. After their removal to the Island this was 
refitted with modern machinery by Williams, Pick and Co., the equip- 
ment having been purchased by C. H. Clapham in January of the pres- 
ent year. A new engine was added at a cost of 11,600. The mill has 
four planers, re-saws, moulding machines, etc., to meet all requirements 
of the archictectural advancements of the present age, principally doing 
custom work for Tonawanda Lumber Co. and others. About twenty- 
five men are embloyed and a successful and worthy business is conducted 
by Mr. Clapham. With a railroad on either side of the mill, the conven- 
iences for shipments are advantageous. 

CALKINS & COMPANY. 

This firm has a complete planing mill, with a system of blow- 
ers carrying the shavings to a baling house. They have put in machin- 
ery for baling, and from the shavings of this and other firms, pack 700 
bales a day, which are sold principally as horse bedding. The firm have 
also recently established an important industry in the burning of some 
300 barrels of lime per day. The stone is brought from Kelly's Island 
and burned here by shavings, making a superior grade of lime. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 



81 



WILLIAMS & PICK'S MILL. 

Chas. Williams and Geo. W. Pick are natives of this state, Mr. 
Williams having been for a dozen years past engaged in the planing 
mill business of this place. He built the Charlton mill, fitted the one 
now run by C. H. Clapham, and has otherwise assisted in the develop- 
ment of mill machinery here. The present stand on Tremont street, at 
the Erie railway crossing, was built ior a laundry, and came into the 
hands of the above firm a year since. It is now fitted with planers, 
saws and other machinery for producing inside finishings. A specialty 
is made of water closet seats and tanks, bath tub caps, etc. The firm 
have just completed a double two-story brick business block, 45x100 
feet at the corner of Oliver and Schenck streets, which adds to the arch- 
itectural development in that vicinity, and they are prepared to do all 
kinds of contract building work. 

GOMBERT & THOMPSON. 

This business staited in '83 by Gombert, Vielhauer & Co., changed 
to the present style in '85. They furnish all styles of mouldings, sash, 
doors, etc., doing a business of over $100,000, and giving employment to 
60 men. The firm is composed of Wm. Gombert, of Germany, formerly 
a carpenter, and J. S. Thompson, of the Lumber Exchange bank. 

VINEGAR WORKS, ETC. 

Milo Sloat, at No. 86, Sweeney street, who has been a resident of 
this place for 35 years past, builds vinegar works throughout, making 
vats, yeast, etc. He also makes cisterns or any kind of tanks, having all 
the requisite machinery for effective work. 

There are a number of other lumber and timber firms deserving of 
notice, but the space allotted for this department having been already 
exceeded, our time limited for the completion of this work, and the de- 
tails of other firms covering the same line of trade, having been made 
sufficiently clear to show the advantages in this direction, we can only 
add their names here : 

A. Weston & Son, Cowper & Gregory, J. S. H, Clark & Co., Silver- 
thorne & Co., Geo. W. Stanley, White, Rider & Frost, L. J. Bovee & Co. 
Robinson Bros., Joseph Jackson and W. A. Frazier. 

TONAWANDA SPRING CO. 

One of the most important manu- 
factories of this place has recently 
been located on Miller street, adjoin- 
ing the railroad tracks. This com- 
pany manufactures all kinds of ve- 
eicle springs under the Hunt Improved patent, illustration of which is 
given herewith. This article has been upon the market for four years 
and has given universal satisfaction. Descriptive catalogues and cir- 
culars sent upon application. 




82 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

HOUSEHOLD REPAIR SHOP. 
Some industrial concerns of small proportions are worth}^ of note 
from their convenience. Of such is the one on Young street, conducted 
hy Comrade F. Lacey, who served in Illinois regiments over four years 
in the late war. Mr. Lacey is ingenious in the repair of any kind of 
household furniture or fixtures, and is especially prepared to look after 
the umbrellas. Leave your quarters where they will do good instead 
of giving them to the tramp menders who spend them for drink. 

TONAWANDA HEIGHTS LAND COMPANY. 

A. H. CROWN, MANAGP^R. 

The development of Tonawanda has been one of steady increase 
for a score of years past, without any strained effort or speculations in 
real estate. As the village increased by natural growth, new territory 
has been platted and placed on the market for actual settlers or busi- 
ness. From year to year new homes and streets have been opened on 
the south and west sections, until now the territory is principally occu- 
pied, out to the race course along Main street, and above the brewery 
on South Canal and intervening streets. Recently the two-mile-creek 
farm of 220 acres, bounded on the west by Two Mile Creek, fronting 
1,200 feet on the Niagara River and extending back a mile has been 
platted by the Tonawanda Heights Land Co., streets laid out, and it is 
now open for development. The river front is a bluff some fifty feet 
in height and has on the creek side a handsome grove of ten acres. 
Extending back from the river a half mile or more, the ground 
continues on a gentle incline, so that the summit is some sevent}' feet 
above the river, and among the highest spots to be found within a 
radius of five miles, thus giving pure air and healthy surroundings. 
The incline towards the business portion of the city is almost perfect^ 
making a natural grade. On this cro^vning summit, over-looking the 
Lumber City, and directly opposite from Sour Spring Grove, Grand 
Island, somewhat removed from the smoke, noise and dirt of the man- 
ufacturing section, with beautiful surrounding scenery and traversed 
by the electric railway, will doubtless in the near future be erected 
some of the finest residences of this place. In fact it will make a de- 
sirable place for suburban homes for wealthy business men of Bufialo, 
who can reach their business from here, by electric or steam cars, in 30 
minutes. It is less than four miles from the present corporate limits 
of Bufialo, and a few years hence will doubtless be a part of the Queen 
City of the Lakes. The Niagara River front of this tract presents 
elegant advantages for a tourists' hotel, or scientifically conducted 
sanitarium. Either or both containing 100 rooms could be kept filled 
for eight months in the year if properly advertised and judiciously man- 
aged. With the adjacent grove and river, boating, fishing, or swinging 
in the hammocks, while enjoying the Niagara River breeze, would furnish 
every element for pleasure and health. Although this is the upper end 
of Tonawanda, the lower end of North Tonawanda, at Gratwick, four 
miles distant by road, is but little more than two miles by river, and 
from this height all the intervening mills, furnace, iron working estab- 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 83 

lishments, and lumber interests with their surrounding boats and cars, 
loading and unloading, are plainly seen around the crescent. It is a 
picturesque scene of hustle and business, which can be best enjoyed at 
this distance. A. H. Crown, manager of the Tonawanda Heights Land 
Company, is president of the village, and has long been identified with 
its upbuilding. He will gladly furnish any desired information re- 
garding business or residence interests. Acre lots or blocks of the 
above tract can be purchased at holding prices, or a residence lot se- 
cured on easy terms. 

THE HENSLER PLACE. 

One of the handsomest tracts within the corporation of Tonawanda 
is that known as the Hensler place, fronting 40 rods on the Niagara 
river between the Brewery plant and Tonawanda Heights Land Co. and 
extending back for a mile. It lays high, has the city improvements of 
streets, sewers, etc., is crossed by the new electric street railway, and 
what we have said regarding the Tonawanda Heights Land Co. is appli- 
cable to this, as the tracts are adjoining. A number of lots have l3een 
sold here within the past year, upon which will be erected dwellings 
ranging in price from $6,000 to $10,000. These are on Mountain 
avenue, upon which the highest point is 70 feet above the Niagara river. 
The street is 100 feet in width, running from the river blufi', a mile back, 
and is destined to become a magnificent residence avenue. The electric 
railway is on Hamilton avenue, which is one block distance and parallel 
with this. Choice lots on this tract are now for sale on easy terms. E. 
H. Rogers, Jr., the manager, was born in Tonawanda, and for eight years 
past has been contracting for heavy timber work, docks, bridges across 
Ellicott Creek and the Canal here, are Mr. Rogers work. His office is 
over the new postoffice on North Canal street. 

SOUR SPRING GROVE. 

This resort is owned by the East Side Land and Hotel Company, 
of Buffalo, and is a pleasant and shady nook on Grand Island two 
miles distant from Homer & Daniels dock, from which place the steam 
yacht. Lorelei, makes round trips nearly every hour in the day. It is 
a favorite spot for picnics, excursion and dance parties. The surround- 
ing grounds are shaded, handsomely platted, and several cottages for 
summer residences have been erected, while there is still room for more. 

NORTH TONAWANDA LAND INTERESTS— Continued. 

OLIVER STREET LAND COMPANY. 

In any live city there will always be found real estate agencies, and 
perhaps no other class of men do more to advertise a place and bring its 
merits before the public than the dealer in real estate. Nicholas Beck- 
rich is a life-long resident of this county and a pioneer in the ice trade. 
He was among the first to engage in the real estate business at this place. 
For five years past he has carefully studied the situation, and with 
others each year has added to the confirmation of confidence in the ulti- 
mate successful development of the city. The Oliver Street Land Com- 
pany is composed of E. G. Riesterer, Jno. E. Oelkers and N. Beckrich. 



84 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

The company owns over 100 acres, located on Oliver street, Pa3a"ie's 
Avenue, the Nash Road, at Gratwick, and other places in the corpora- 
tion, and are disposed to do business on the basis of real values. Farm- 
ers or other parties having genuine bargains to offer will find the above 
company as read}' to purchase as to sell. Each of the above gentlemen 
have been ready investors and have separate and combined land inter- 
ests aside from the Oliver Street Land Co. All are officers in the Ger- 
man-American Bank and otherwise largely interested in the develop- 
ment of this place. Mr. Beckrich gives a large share of his time to real 
estate transactions and is fully prepared to make judicious investments for 
those who desire the assistance of a thoroughly posted agent. He occu- 
pies convenient offices in the Fowler block, corner of Webster and Tre- 
mont streets. Recently Mr. Beckrich has become the manager of an 
important manufacturing concern, the Tonawanda Spring Co., men- 
tioned on page 81. 

A. J. HATHAWAY, 122 MAIN STREET. 

A. J. Hathaway, a native of this state, who for many years was 
interested in the lumber trade with McGraw & Co., has for two years past 
been largely engaged in the real estate interests of this city, and is pre- 
pared to give information regarding manufacturing sites or profitable 
investments, he having large holdings. Mr. Hathaway is secretary and 
treasurer of the Ironton Land Co. and secretary of the North Tona- 
wanda Land Co. He negotiates loans, and is a liberal-spirited citizen, 
ever ready to second any proper effort for the up-building of this city. 

STORY & PICKARD, REAL ESTATE AGENTS. 

A. W. Story, an old time jeweler, began real estate transactions 
some three years ago, and the above partnership was formed Feb. 1, 1891, 
Mr. Pickard also having been dealing in real estate for a year or two 
past. Messrs. Story & Pickard have convenient offices over the Golden 
Eagle Clothing house on Webster street, and are prepared to rent, sell, 
bu}'', or transact any kind of real estate business. They are fully posted 
on prices and own desirable property in various sections of the city, as 
well as handling on commission, at reasonable rates, any business in 
this line which may be entrusted to their care. 

FULLER & GETZ — REAL ESTATE 

The firm of Fuller & Getz, for transactions in real estate, was formed 
last spring. As both partners are old residents, thoroughly acquainted 
with real estate values, and with a wide acquaintance they have secured 
a good trade from the start. Real estate is bought and sold in all parts 
of the corporation, rents, taxes, etc., are adjusted for non-residents, and 
any matter pertaining to the business will have the prompt attention of 
the firm when placed in their hands. L. G. Fuller is the grain elevator 
proprietor, and Franklin Getz, the mill merchant, where each are en- 
gaged in business on Oliver street, corner of Mechanic. 

HOTELS, ETC.— As early as 1795 an Indian trader at Tonawanda, 
named Poudrey, entertained as best he could the occasional traveler, and 
about 1810, Peter Taylor, living on the south side, and Garrett Van 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 85 

Slyke, the ferryman, wlio located on the north side of the creek, each in 
turn kept travelers. We shall not attempt a continued record of these 
inns, which, at best, afforded rude accommodations, but will pass at 
once to the consideration of the finest hotel in the Lumber City, which 
was opened to the public with the present year. 

The Hotel Sheldon. — Nothing is more needed for the general pros- 
perity of a city than a first-class hotel, and in this particular the Lumber 
City is especially fortunate, as outside of metropolitan places it would be 
difficult to find a house more complete in all its appointments than the 
Sheldon. It is fitted in attractive and elegant style throughout and con- 
tains all the modern improvements and appurtenances of a first-class 
hotel. It is an imposing four-story brick, with eighty rooms. 

American Hotel. — For man}'- years past the American has been one 
of the leading hotels of this place, ranking as first until the recent erec- 
tion of the Sheldon. It has accommodations for 50 or more guests, is 
fitted Avith the usual modern conveniences, and the table supplied with 
the best which the market affords. It is located at the center of busi- 
ness, convenient to the depots, business houses, etc. Wm. Lysitt be- 
came proprietor of the American with the present year, and has made 
every effort to meet the reasonable demands of his guests. Mr. L is a 
native of Medina, N. Y., having had several years experience in the 
hotel business. 

Railroad House. — On Main street, directly opposite the N. Y. Central 
depot, stands the Railroad House This hotel was built in 1871, and 
was run by Henry Homeyer, father of the present proprietor, until his 
death in 1882, since which it has been managed by the son, Henry 
Homeyer. Good barn accommodations can be had, and this hotel is 
supplied with hot and cold water, gas and electric lights, is furnished 
with fire escapes, giving good accommodations throughout at reasonable 
rates to its numerous guests. 

M. J. Wattengel, a native of Germany, here from childhood, for some 
time past a hardware dealer at No. 28 Webster street, a year ago bought 
out the livery business of Kage & Co., at No. 29 Webster sti'eet. He 
keeps about 20 horses and the full supply of elegant turnouts. 

* T0N.4.WANDA HOTELS AND LIVERY. 

Hotel Lawton. — The fine brick hotel opposite the N. Y. C. depot, in 
Tonawanda was opened about a year since for the convenience of the 
public. It has accommodations for about 40 guests and is fitted with the 
usual modern improvements conducing to the comfort of guests. Gfo. 
Lawton, the proprietor, is a native of Oneida county, for four years past 
in the hotel business, having been in charge of the Bork Hotel prior to 
becoming landlord of Hotel Lawton. Mr. L. endeavors to make his 
guests feel at home. 

Bork Hotel. — This three-story brick hotel, on N. Canal street, has 
been a leading one in Tonawanda, having accommodations for about 50 
guests and being well furnished and fitted throughout with modern im- 
provements. R. T. Hayes, the proprietor, was raised in Rochester, com- 



86 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

ing to Tonawanda in early manhood, and in March '90 becoming land- 
lord of this house. The table is well supplied, and every reasonable de- 
mand of guests receives attention. 

The Adams House, kept by E. V. Day and wife, is an acceptable 
boarding house on Adams street. But few men in Tonawanda know 
more of the history of this place than Mr. Day. Born April 8th, 1811, 
he came here when 9 years of age and has ever since made this his home. 

There are a number of other fair sized and well kept hotels and 
boarding houses, too numerous to mention. 

William Haner, a native of this State, a horseman from boyhood, 
and 10 years in the livery business, keeps a well furnished livery barn 
at the intersection of Young, Broad and Delaware streets, and always 
endeavors to meet his customers necessities at reasonable rates. 

FIRE, LIFE AND OTHER INSURANCE.— The insurance busi- 
ness is peculiar in many respects, and one important feature is that the 
busy business man has not always the time or means at hand to exam- 
ine into the merits or reliability of the different companies. He can and 
should full}'^ know the reputation and candor of the local agent, and 
when satisfied that he is dealing with an agency that would not coun- 
tenance unreliable ventures, he has only to indicate the amount of in- 
surance which he desires to carry and the trustworthy agent will look 
after every other detail, as it is to his interest to protect his customer as 
well as to secure his compan}^ against unnatural loss. 

Humphrey & Vandervoort. — P. S. Humphrey, formerly in the timber 
trade, in 1875 engaged in (Jeneral Insurance, which has ever since 
claimed his attention. Ceo B. Vandervoort, formerly in the lumber 
trade, a half dozen years since joined Mr. Humphrey, since which the 
firm style has been Humphrey & Vandervoort. More than 30 first-class 
Fire Companies are represented, so that no delay or inconvenience is 
found in placing the largest fire risks. The firm have made a special 
study of their customers wants, and are prepared to write satisfactory 
policies in fire, marine, boiler, plate glass, cyclone, fidelity, and every- 
thing requiring insurance. In life insurance this firm represents the 
Equitable Life of New York, one of the best established and most popu- 
lar companies in America. Also the well known Travelers Life and Ac- 
cident of Hartford. Mr. Humphrey is a nitive of Tonawanda, while Mr. 
Vandervoort was born in North Tonawanda, both having been life-long 
residents of the place. Office corner of South Canal and Main streets. 

Austin & Kage. — The insurance business established in 1887 by San- 
born ik Beitz, was purchased in November 1890 by Austin & Kage. 
The agency is located at No. 50 Webster street, and represents seven re- 
liable fire insurance companies, aggregating over 88,000,000 of capital; 
the Standard Accident of Detroit, and the well known Mutual Reserve 
Life of New York. The firm also transact a general real estate business, 
and negotiate loans on bond and mortgage at favorable rates. 

G. C. Chi'ist & Son — Our present postmaster has long been an insurance 
agent, until four years since making his office at his residence. It was then 
established at No. 60 Young street, where G. C. Christ & Son also have .a 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 87 

■wall paper store. In connection with insurance the above firm handle real 
estate, doing notarial work as well. They represent the Milwaukee Mechan- 
ics, Fireman's Insurance Co., of Newark, N. J., the London Assurance Cor- 
poration, established 1720, the Union Fire Insurance Co., of Buffalo, and the 
National, of New York, all reliable companies. 

Schwinger & Misner. — A couple of years since ex-Postmaster G. G. 
Schwinger and W. L. Misner, both natives of Tonawanda formed the 
above insurance firm. They represent reliable companies for fire, plate 
glass, cyclone, marine, accident and life insurance. The office is con- 
veniently located over the old postoffice stand, where one of the above 
can always be found ready to attend to the wants of customers. 

The Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co., of Newark, N. J., was estab- 
lished in 1845, and ranks among the best insurance companies of this 
country. It is represented in this place by Geo. M. Warren. 

COAL, WOOD, SEWER PIPE, SAND, ETC. 

M. F. Meyers & Co.— M. F. and G. F. Meyers, natives of Wheatfield, 
in April, 1890, purchased the coal business of G. L. Faulkner, corner of 
Goundry and Vandervoort streets. The yards are under elevated tracks, 
convenient for dumping, and the firm makes a specialty of the well 
known Coleraine and Lehigh Anthracite Coal, of which they annually 
handle about 4,000 tons. Any desirable grade of soft coal is also fur- 
nished to the order of customers, as well as wood, hay, baled straw, feed, 
oats, flour, etc. The Meyers brothers also keep a complete assortment 
of sewer pipe, which extends to Tremont street, along the Erie railroad. 
This firm also has coal yards in Gratwick, and a number of choice lots 
for sale on easy terms in Ironton, Gratwick, and other desirable sections 
of North Tonawanda. With a lifelong residence in this vicinity, they 
are thoroughly acquainted with real estate Values and are conducting a 
successful business in general. 

/. Frank Pinner. — This business was started in 1880, and has 
become a representative one, occupying a large and convenient yard 
near the N. Y. Central depot, and commodious docks for the coaling of 
vessels, opposite Weston's mill. The office is in the Lumber Exchange 
building, over the old postoffice stand, where Mr. Pinner also officiates 
as Collector of Customs for the port of Tonawanda, (Erie count}^) to 
which port he was appointed in August, 1889. He is a native of Tona- 
wanda, fully acquainted with the Lumber City, and its requirements in 
his line of trade. A full supply of both bituminous and anthracite coal 
is kept, Mr. Pinner having exclusive sale of some prominent grades, 
and facilities for the successful handling of any amount required. He 
is also somewhat interested in real estate. 

Herman U. Berger is a native of Germany,tw^enty-seven years here, and 
his business on Oliver street, at the corner of Thompson, is a prominent 
one in this Hne. He handles all grades of coal, keeping, also, wood, 
sewer pipe, cement, etc. By close attention to the wants of the trade, 
and the handling of reliable products, Mr. Berger has, in five years, 
built up a good trade in his line. He was formerly yard master and 



88 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

conductor on the N. Y. C, and is a director in the German-American 
bank; has been a trustee of North Tonawanda, is prominent in secret 
societies, and is one of our solid citizens. 

Henry Barnes is a native of Oneida county, N. Y., and has resided 
in Tonawanda since 1876, having for several years been a prominent 
boat builder. In 1884 he commenced the coal business, has yards on 
Ellicott Creek, foot of Delaware street, and is dealing in coal, wood, sand, 
etc. Also doing a considerable real estate trade. 

POST OFFICE.— In the early history of this place the mail was 
brought from Buffalo and left at Peter Taylor's Inn, on the North Side. 
Joseph Bush was appointed postmaster for Tonawanda about 1825 and 
continued to hold the office for many years. He was succeeded by 
Rufus Fanning who held the office until Jacob Kibler was appointed, 
in 1845 ; S. G. Johnson succeeded in '53 ; C. M. Eggert, '57 ; Roswell 
Driggs, '61 ; S. 0. Havward, '62 ; H. B. Stanley, '64 ; Mrs. Jeanette 
Stanley, '66 ; Robert L Koch, 79 ; H. L. Joyce, '82 ; G. G. Schwinger, 
'87 ; and G. C. Christ, the present incumbent, in November, 1890. Mr. 
Christ is a native of Germany but resident of this place for a quarter of 
a century past. H. S. Rowley is assistant postmaster, Kate Scanlon, 
registry and money order clerk, Hattie White and Lottie Schell deliv- 
ery clerks. Eleven daily mails are received and the rapid increase in 
mail matter for two or three years past is a pretty sure index to the 
development of the Lumber City. Since moving into the new build- 
ing on North Canal street July 1st, a handsome new outfit of furniture 
has been secured. The postal statistics for the year ending June 80th, 
1891, show that 3,400,406,273 stamps were issued in the United States 
with a total value of $64,109,490. 

SUMMARY AND REVIEW. 



READ THIS, IF NOTHING MORE. 

As some of our readers may not have time to peruse this entire sketch, 
we will briefly summarize for their benefit. Although articles may be found 
in this book which appear irrelevant to the text, (that of demonstrating to 
the world the superior advantages possessed by this city for diversified man- 
ufacturing) yet nearly every page brings out an important fact or convincing 
argument. We do not claim for this place a big boom, but steady and rapid 
increase for several years past, (see pages 23, 47 and 95). Having acquired a 
right to the title of ''Lumber City," (26 to 28) Tonawanda seeks to build up 
manufactories in iron productions and other lines of trade, and (on pages 
14-17, 25-6, and 28-31,) conclusive arguments have been presented, showing 
agricultural surroundings, cheap iron, cheap lumber, and unexcelled trans- 
portation. The Niagara River, for several miles above the Falls, is very 
shallow on the American side, so that after passing Bluff Point, three miles 
below the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, lake vessels of heavy draught find no 
suitable depth of water nor practical harbor. This stream is the outlet for 
the chain of great lakes, in the commerce of which more than 2,000 vessels 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 89 

are employed, with an aggregate annual trade of $50,000,000. This is the last 
safe harbor, and for lumber transactions is practically the western terminus 
of the Erie canal, a capacious free waterway (14) through which extensive 
shipments are made, (27) and, with convenient elevators here, could handle 
wheat as well as Buffalo. Additional furnaces and a rolling mill are contem- 
plated and should be planted here, (10, 63). No better place in the country 
can be found for car works, (56-61). A very desirable location also being 
between Tonawanda and Ellicott Creeks, along the line of the Erie and 
Canandaigua branch of the N. Y. Central. Mrs. Almira Long owns a V of 
a dozen acres or more here which, supplemented by adjoining lands of M. 
Riesterer, would make a magnificent manufacturing site. But we may as 
well say right here, that one reason why manufactories cannot afford to lo- 
cate or stay in Buffalo is because grounds for their plants and lots for the 
homes of their operatives are too high. With abundance of competing 
points along the line of railroads, canal and river at this place there is no 
reason why hundreds of worthy institutions cannot be built up within the 
corporate limits of the Lumber City, on grounds that can be purchased at 
from $500 to $1,500 per acre. 

Any kind of iron working industry should succeed here, while furniture, 
carriage works and other wood working factories have as good or better 
chances of success here as in other sections of the country', if under judicious 
management. 

Niagara Falls has for many years produced several thousands of barrels 
of flour daily, while with an elevator at the river side here and electric power 
from the tunnel, we shall have superior advantages, as water transportation 
is invariably cheaper than by rail. The wheat from the west could be taken 
direct from vessels to the mill, and loaded into canal boats at the factory 
door for the great eastern market, (pages 14, 16 and (iS). To give room for 
female as well as male operatives, cotton and woolen mills should be estab- 
lished, or additional factories requiring needle work. Enough laundry goes 
from this city to Buffalo and the Falls each week, or into the hands of the 
Chinamen, to keep a steam laundry with a dozen hands running on full time. 

With unexcelled passenger and freight conveniences, by railroads, canal 
and river, (14-15, 30 32,) natural and artificial gas, electric light, power and 
street railways ; a superb water supply from a never-failing water course, 
unaffected by drouth or flood; (53-55) a commodious harbor with seven to 
ten miles of convenient dockage ; railroads radiating in all directions and 
unsurpassed canal dockage furnishing many miles of manufacturing front- 
age ; with thousands of peaceable workmen, who mostly own their homes, 
and room for a hundred thousand more, why should not this city rise in her 
dignity and assert her rights to manufacturing development ? 

With a dozen land companies and real estate agencies (56 61, 28-84) the 
majority of whom are owners as well as agents, all realizing that extensive 
manufacturing gives a solidity to a city which can be obtained in no other 
way, it is scarcely possible for s{)eculative prices to be held against develop- 
ment. It is hardly necessary for us to again refer to our superior religious, 
social educational and professional advantages given on pages 35 to 53. 
Estimates show twenty one churches with property worth $150,000 ; school 
property worth $65,00i), which, with the crowded condition of all the schools 
manifested at the present session indicates a rapid increase of population for 
the present year, and the immediate necessity of adding school houses aggre- 
gating .$40,000 to $50,000 more. About twenty secret societies are represented, 
covering nearly all the prominent fraternities. We have ample fire protec- 
tion and moderate hotel accommodations, but a tourists hotel at popular 
prices, or hygienic home, could doubtless be made to pay good interest on 
the investment, (82). This suggestion is worthy of more than a passing 
thought, and capitalists of Tonawanda will take stock in a company for that 
purpose wheii the proper man develops feasible plans. 

The surrounding agricultural districts, with pure water and equable 
climate (I7j present many advantages for the raising of thoroughbred stock. 



90 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

In fact, any man who has the stamina to go west or south with Hmited 
means, trusting to his energy and the smiles of Providence, has greater cer- 
tainty of success right here. He finds on Grand Island, Wheatfield and Ton- 
awanda no devastating grasshoppers, blasting drouths, floods nor cyclones ; 
his products are near the great markets and his necessities are easily and 
cheaply supplied. If the illustrious Horace Greely were here at present, 
instead of saying "young man, go west," he would doubtless second our 
efforts by saying, "stay at home and do your best." 

MERCANTILE INTERESTS. 

Thriving manufacturing industries are a great source of continued pros- 
perity to any place, but a certain nuiuber of mercantile houses are indispen- 
sable, and the more these are in accord with the progressive spirit of the 
times the better it keeps trade at home and draws from surrounding country 
and villages. We shall not attempt in this department to mention every 
house but shall endeavOi* to note some of the leading firms in the various 
lines. Considerable manufacturing matters are directly connected with the 
mercantile and are incorporated with the latter business. 

DRY GOODS, FANCY GOODS, MILLINERY, MACHINES, ETC. 

W. H. Heinvorth, a native of England, formerly in the mercantile trade 
of Buffalo, established a business on Main street, Touawauda, about a dozen 
years since, removing to the Lumber Exchange building when that structure 
was erected. Mr. Hepvvorth keeps dry goods and domestics, carpets, oil 
cloths, etc. 

Wheeler <fc Wilson, I\o. 9.— The improvements in Sewing Machines 
within the past 25 years, have been numerous, and the Wheeler «& Wilson's 
late pattern, No. 9, brings out the most prominent features of desirability. 
It is sold in Tonawanda by J. H. Lewis, who keeps a confectionery store at 
the corner of Seymour and Adam streets. 

J. Wolf & Son handle the Standard sewing machines at their dry goods 
store. They have a shirt factory which gives employment to about forty 
sewing girls. 

J. SchulmeUter.— In North Tonawanda the leading dry goods house is 
the above, which was opened nine years ago. Three years since Mr. Schul- 
meister erected a row of stores on Webster street, occupying the one at No. 
50, where he keeps the full line of everything in dry goods, notions, fancy 
goods and millinery, making a prominent feature of the latter. We have not 
space to give in detail Zuchmaier Bros., S. Byers, the Buffalo store, and sev- 
eral others scattered about the city. 

A. R. Orant, for some years past connected with the lumber business of 
the Eastern and Sawyer lumber companies, is proprietor of the well filled 
millinery establishment at the corner of Webster and Tremont streets. Mr. 
Grant was formerly engaged in the millinery trade in Chicago and Buffalo, 
opening the business here in March, 1890. He keeps a very full supply of 
hats, bonnets, flowers, trimming, ribbons and fancy goods. Mrs. Grant is an 
expert milliner, and has personal supervision of the work, having two assist- 
ants in the trimming department. 

Mrs. R. M. Coshiuay, a nativ'^e of Buffalo, commenced the millinery busi- 
ness in Tonawanda twenty-eight years ago, and has always held a leading 
trade in that line. She was among the first to bring notions and fancy goods 
to the Lumber City, and has a full assortment in that line, as well as every- 
thing in milinery necessary or desirable to complete a stylish hat or bonnet, 
which she turns out to the order of her numerous customers on short notice. 

MERCHANT TAILORING, FURNISHINGS, SHOES, ETC. 

Benj. H. iV*^^.— But few, if any of Tonawanda's business men have made 
a longer and better record in business here than B. H. Nefl. Coming from 



UF THE LUMBER CITY. 91 

Williamsville, Erie county, to this place in 1853, he clerked for C. M. Eggert 
■& Co. for nine years, when he bought out the store. In 1871, by fire and 
burglars he lost 113,000 ; but with a business career of almost 30 years has 
always paid the full amount of every obligation, and at present carries a 
large stock of gent's furnishing goods, hats and caps, men's shoes in light 
and heavy grades, and everything usually found in a first-class furnishing 
house, at No. 24 Webster street. Mr. NefF's long acquaintance with this 
city, and intimate knowledge of the wants of patrons, have brought him 
well merited and continued business success. 

Lehon & Warren. — This firm opened business in the line of merchant 
tailoring and gent's furnishing goods some three years ago, and by close at- 
tention to the wants of their customers have gained a well merited trade. 
Wm. 8. Lehon is a practical cutter and tailor of forty years experience, com- 
ing from Oswego, N. Y., to this place in 1888. Geo. IM. Warren is a native 
of North Tonawanda, for several years connected with the Custom House 
here, and having a wide acquaintanceship. The firm keep a full line of do- 
mestic and imported cloths, making suits in the latest styles, to the order of 
customers. The line of gent's furnishing goods comprises everything desira- 
ble, and the location of the firm is in the Lumber Exchange Block at the 
Main street bridge, one of the most central in the city. 

Al. Thompson. — The merchant tailoring business of this city adds con- 
siderable to our manufacturing industries. Custom made goods are always 
more reliable and perfect in fit than ready-made clothing, as the merchant 
tailor, in order to hold his trade, must use good goods in all respects. Al. 
Thompson served as cutter for Goldsmith for many years, and Sept. 1, 1889, 
opened business at 46 Webster street, where he keeps a large assortment of 
cloths and a first class merchant tailoring establishment. 

A. & E. M. Krauss. — The house of A. & E. M. Krauss is a representative 
one in the trade of boots, shoes, clothing, liats, trunks and gents' furnishing 
goods. The business was founded many years ago by Mr. A. Krauss in 
Attica, N. Y., where the firm have a prosperous establishment. In 1887 Mr. 
E. M. Krauss opened the branch store in Tonawanda at No. 23 North Canal 
street, which is tastefully fitted up, and is 22x75 feet in dimensions. The 
goods displayed are new, carefully selected, and embrace full lines of foot 
and head gear of men's, youths', and boy's clothing, and of gents' furnishings, 
that for quality, extent and variety are unsurpassed by the goods of any 
other similar establishment. The house has but one price, which is the low- 
est market quotation, while courtesy and polite attention form a standing 
rule in this establishment. Mr. A. Krauss, Sr., who still resides at Attica, is 
a native of Germany, and came to this country when a j^outh. Mr. E. M. 
Krauss was born at Attica, and makes Tonawanda his home. 

G. F. Oelkers is a native of Germay, and, although but four years from 
the Fatherland, he has not only learned well our language, but by patient 
industry has established himself in a nice shoe trade at No. 48 Webster 
street, where all sizes and styles of men's, women's and children's shoes are 
kept for sale at reasonable prices. 

John M. hubman is a native of Germany, learned the shoe trade in Buf- 
falo before the middle of the present century, and thirty-four years ago 
moved to Tonawanda. Three years since he added to the improvements on 
Young street by erecting the two-story brick, Nos. 16, 18 and 20 Young street, 
which is used as harness shop, restaurant, and shoe store by John G. Hub- 
man, clerk of the town of Tonawanda, who keeps a full line. 

Tents, Awnings^ Sails, JEtc—Quite an important industry was estab- 
lished at No. 71 Webster street, in August last. The firm of Armitage, 
Herschell & Co., use a large number of tents annually, for their steam rid- 
ing galleries, and Oliver Lawson, who is a tent maker by trade, for seven 
years past working in Buffalo, was induced to locate here. He also makes 
sails, awnings, horse and wagon covers and any article requiring canvas. 



92 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

Mr. Lawsou's force of bands, the present season, is qnite small, but as our 
business men are made acquainted with the fact that awnings, sails, etc., 
can be as cheaply and quickly made here as elsewhere, his trade will doubt- 
less enlarge with the coming season. 

F. W. Kelly. — Economy is a good trait in all and should be more gener- 
ally practiced, hence the necessity of the skillful cleaner, dyer and repairer 
of clothing, etc F. W. Kelly is a native of Michigan, and five years past in 
the above business at l^o. 33 Webster street, where he has secured a good 
trade in the above line. 

DRUGS, BOOKS, JEWELRY STORES, PIANOS, ETC. 

L. O. Stanlcij, is a native of Vermont, residing in the west for some time 
and when the late war broke out, he volunteered in the .30th Iowa Reg't. 
After his brother's death in 1866, he was assistant postmaster for a dozen 
years, while his sister-in-law was postmistress. In 1870 he added drugs to 
the stationery and news line which he had carried for some time before, and 
to-day he is carrying a large assortment in the book and drug line, at the 
corner of Main and South Canal streets, also being a member of the firm of 
Stanley & Billett, who opened a fine store in the Hotel Sheldon in March of 
the present j'ear. 

M. C. Belts. — This drug house was commenced in 18G7 by E. H. Hewitt, 
who was succeeded in turn by Mr. White, E. H. Hewitt, Jr., Dr. AV. D. Mur- 
ray, and in 1884 M. C. Betts became proprietor. The store was removed from 
S. Canal street to its present location in June, 1890, where superb fixtures 
and a very complete stock is found. A pronnnent proprietary article from 
this house is the 'Acme Toothache Drops," which has gain^^d a wide repu- 
tation for its meritorious qualities Mr. Betts is a native of Tonawanda and 
is assisted by N. J. Stern, a practical chemist, from Meadville, Pa. 

C. H. Scoville also keeps a well filled drug store in Tonawanda, and Dr. 
C. C. Smith and W. L. <^ollette in North Tonawanda. 

Mundie d- McCoy. — The leading jewelry and music house in the Lumber 
City connnenced business in 18S8, succeeding A. W. Story, who established 
the business six years before Mr. J. Mundie is a practical jeweler and had 
previously been in partnership with Mr. Story. Mr. F. A. McCoy for five 
years before had been principal of the Tonawanda Union School. Thej^ 
keep one of the largest stocks of diamonds, watches, clocks, jewelry, sterling 
silver and plated ware, optical goods, musical instruments, and they are the 
only house that sell pianos and organs. Both men are young, enterprising 
and popular. Their business is growing rapidly with the developmnent of 
the city. 

Frank Hammond has for twenty-eight years past done a leading jewelry 
trade at 54 Seneca street, Buffalo, and four months since opened a branch 
store at No. 30 Webster street, under the firm name of Frank Hammond & 
Co., in charge of C. A. Dockham, watch specialist, where may be found a 
large stock of diamond and silver goods, watches, chains, jewelry, etc. 

HARDWARE, STOVES, PLUMBING, ETC. 

2slce d- Hinkey. — In the line of hardware, etc., the firm of Nice & Hinkey 
are a representative house, the start of the business dating back twenty-five 
years, when John Nice and Louis Hinkey engaged in trade. In 1870 the 
four-story brick block now occupied on South Canal street, was erected by 
the firm. We cannot attempt even a partial detailed description of the 
stock. Suffice to say that in the line of shelf and heavy hardware the assort- 
ment is complete. The ship chandlery assortment is very full, stoves and. 
tinware all that could be desired, paints in all shades and colors, glass of all 
sizes. This house conducts a complete plumbing and a tin business having 
a large force of workmen. Two years since a branch store was established 
at Nos. 64 and 63 AVebster street. This building, together with the one oc- 
cupied by offices and hall opposite the N. Y. C. depot, on Main street, 
belongs to Nice & Co. Mr. Hinkey died in 1882, and Mr. Nice followed the 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 93 

next year, the firm name and business being continued by the estates with 
A. C. Campbell, a native of Livingston county, as manager. His success in 
conducting the affairs of the firm has marked him as a thorough-going 
business man, and made the firm of Nice & Hinkey widely known. 

Mrs. M. A. Nice has recently ei'ected the handsome three-story brick 
block 75x75 feet on North Canal street, now occupied by the postofflce, 
Walsh & Sweeney's dry goods store, offices, etc. 

There are three hardware stores on each side of the creek, besides the 
above, which we have not space to describe. 

J Crahan. — A representative house in the line of paints, varnishes, pa- 
per hanging and decorating is that of J. Crahan, which was established here 
a year or two since. Mr. Ci'ahan is a practical workman, keeps several assist- 
ants and a very full supply of all desii'able styles in wall paper, decorations, 
curtains, and painters' supplies, in Scribner's block, on Sweeney street. 

GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, MEAT MARKETS, ETC. 

John E. Oelkers is known as a representative dealer and entitled to first 
place. Of German nativity he came to this city in 1869, and was variously 
engaged before he settled down in the grocery trade about eighteen years 
ago. A dozen years since he erected a row of stores on Webster street, occupy- 
ing one at the corner of Tremont street for his own use. By keeping the best 
the market affords he has steadily increased his trade until it is now one of 
the foremost in this place in the line of groceries provisions, crockery, etc., 
requiring a half dozen employes in addition to the personal supervision of 
the proprietor. Mr. Oelkers is a director in the German- American Bank and 
variously interested in the upbuilding of the Lumber City. 

Max. S'ehroeder, a native of Germany, in this place from boyhood, was 
educated in the grocery trade under J. E. Oelkers with whom he continued 
for seven years. Ten years ago Mr. Schroeder commenced business in his 
own name on the site now occupied by the State Bank, and upon the erec- 
tion of the building at No. 16 Webster street, in 1886, he secured the commo- 
dious rooms at his present quarters and moved in. He keeps a large and 
selected stock of everything usually found in a first class grocery and pro- 
vision house as well as a full line of queens ware, crockery, wooden ware, etc., 
and by good tact and industry has built up a leading trade in his line 

C. Sohwinger & Co. — Christopher Sch winger, born in Germany, has been a 
leading citizen of Tonawanda for forty years and prominent in the banking 
business here since 1877, being at present vice president of the State Bank, 
and a director in the gas works. In 1850 he commenced in the grocery busi- 
ness of Tonawanda and has always held a good trade. The firm keeps a full 
supply of groceries, provisions, fresh meats, wines, liquors, etc., at No. 48 
North Canal street. 

Wm. J. Kage, a native of Germany, has been for eight years past in the 
grocery trade of North Tonawanda. His establishment, at No. 58 Webster 
street, is well stocked with a choice line of staple and fancy groceries and a 
full line of provisions. He keeps an extensive line of coffees, teas, spices, 
etc., making a specialty of supplying vessels. 

B. Humphrey , a wholesale dealer at Black Rock, also keeps a wholesale 
flour and feed establishment, at No. 156 North Canal street, unloading from 
canal boats by machinery. The business here was established fifteen years 
since and is in charge of H. M. Dayton. 

Wm. A. Gardei is a native of this county, served in the late war, and 
has been 20 years in Tonawanda, now serving the fourth year as Trustee. In 
1890 he completed the three-story brick block at No. 7 Young street, 34 x 75 
feet. He conducts one of the most popular meat markets in the city. 

Chris Oraff, Jr., a native of Tonawanda, three years since erected a con- 
venient market and residence building on the corner of Adam and Kohler 
streets, and keeps a desirable stock of fresh meats, butter, eggs, etc. 



94 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

WHOLEALE TOBACCO, CIGARS, LIQUORS, ETC. 

Worclcn & Wright — E. H. Worden, a native of Tonawanda, years ago 
engaged in the cigar and tobacco trade at No. 60 Webster street, where he 
held a good trade in this Hno, a year since engaging with Dr. C. C. Smith. 
This he has recently sold, and will now engage with Dr. R. G. Wright, at No. 
72 Webster street, in the wholesale and retail cigar and tobacco trade. The 
firm have purchased a large stock of domestic and imported cigars, complete 
assortment of smokers' articles, and the favorite brands of chewing tobaccos. 
They will make a special effort to meet the demands of their customers, both 
in the wholesale and retail line, and Mr. Worden's experience in the business 
and knowledge of his customers' needs, gives assurance of success. 

Cigar I'actories.— There are four cigar factories in the Lumber City, the 
leading one being run by Geo. W. Quinlian, a native of Lockport, Avho 
learned the trade twenty years ago and five years since opened business in 
Tonawanda. He keeps six hands at work at No. 19 Main street, turning out 
about a half million cigars annually of common and fine grades. 

Wholesale Liquor Store.— Reynolds & Co. established a wholesale liquor 
store at Nos. 173-4 Oliver street, in June last, where they keep a full line of 
whiskies, brandies, wines and liquors in general, both domestic and imported. 
There is a large local demand in the Lumber City for these goods, and this 
house assists in keeping the money at home that would otherwise go to Buf- 
falo and elsewhere. 

Central Besort Hotel.— John Spillman, of Germany, forty four years in 
this place, eight years since opened a restaurant at No. 66 Webster street, and 
in May last added a full line of liquors for the wholesale trade. He keeps 
both domestic and imported wines, brandies, whiskies, etc., doing both a 
wholesale and retail trade. Saloons are so numerous here that we cannot 
attempt to give an account of more of them. . 

Fred Hamp, a German, 14 years in the furniture and undertaking trade, 
five years ago erected the two-story and basement brick block, 50 x 80, ad- 
joining the railroad on Young street. He keeps a full assortment in all 
lines of furniture, as well as undertaking supplies. 

Ulrich Maul, a native of Buffalo, is the only ice dealer in the Lumber 
City, having purchased the business from Emil Messing a year ago. He 
stores about a thousand cords of ice at the houses on EUicott creek, and 
keeps three teams busy in delivering to his numerous customers in the hot 
months. 

W. H. 2brre2/.— Photography as an art was begun in the '50s, but in 1847 
Mr. Torrey, who is a native of Genessee county, N. Y., commenced the Am- 
brotype trade, which has since been succeeded by the ferrotype and the 
photograph. Mr. Torrey spent some years in teaching, and in 1874 com- 
menced photography in Buffalo, removing to North Tonawanda seven years 
ago. He owns his gallery on Tremont street, pays no rent, hires no help, 
consequently he can produce good work at reasonable rates, and has, so far, 
held the field against all competitors. R. Clench runs a well fitted gallery on 
the Tonawanda side. 

Business men with slow customers on book will find A. D. Ward, who 
resides at No. 11 Miller street, a faithful and enex-getic collector. He was 
formerly an employe at the furnace, but resigned on account of his health. 

For lack of space we have been compelled to leave out detailed mention 
of artists, 2; architects, 3; bakers, 4; band; barbers, 15; clothiers, 10; confec- 
tioneries, 15; contractors, 6; dressmakers, 44; furniture, 8; harness, etc., 3; 
liveries, 4; meat markets, 25; milliners, 5; painters and paper hangers, 6; 
„arietv stores, 2, and others mentioned under their respective headings. 

There are important facts on every page. As you have time 
read the entire sketch through. A two cent stamp will carry it 
to a friend. 



OF THE LUMBER CITY. 95 

RKCENT MATTERS, ADDITIONS, ETC. 

lonawanda Schools. — More children are in attendance in the Ton- 
awanda free schools than ever before, the enrollment now being above 1,000. 
Prof. D. A. Blakeslee, who commenced here as principal with the fall term, 
is a native of this state, taking the degree of A. M. from Alfred University in 
1866, teaching in the Elmira Grammar School for a dozen years, and for some 
time past holding a position at the Alfred University. He is assisted by 
nearly a score of teachers. 

The Tonawanda school board are, B. F. Betts, A. H. Crown, Martin 
Riesterer, W. D. Murray, Henry Carney and Albt Little. 

Prof. A. D. Filer having been called away by death last spring, the North 
Board sought for another head and called Prof. C. S. Marsh to the superin- 
tendency of North Tonawanda public schools with the present term. He is 
a native of Cortland, N. Y., received the A. B. degree from Cornell University 
and has had seven years experience in teaching. Prof. Weinheimer, a grad- 
uate of Rochester Business College, has charge of the commercial depart- 
ment. More than twenty-five lady teachers are employed. 

The Board of Education are, B. F. Felton, A. C. Tuxbury, L. T. Payne, 
C. Jacobs, Benj. Rand, and Jas. H. Rand clerk for North Tonawanda. 

Chapman & Warner have purchased a lot on Main street, opposite the 
Sheldon, and will next year erect a two-story brick 20x70 feet, adjoining the 
new block, as a home for the Herald office. The lot and building will cost 
about $6,000. 

Job Printing, Etc. — W. H. Patterson has recently opened a job printing 
office at No. 8 S. Canal street. He is an experienced printer, has a new out- 
fit of late styles of type and will make a specialty of artistic commercial job 
work. 

Rovers Bicycle Club. — Two months since the above club was organized 
and now has over twenty members. Wm. Davis, president ; Wm. Hardleben, 
secretary, and Wm. Hubman, captain. 

The Tonawanda Bicycle Club has twenty-three members and has been 
in active operation for some time. J. D. Warren, Pres. ; Alb. R. Smith, Sec. ; 
Frank R. Whiteman, Capt. 

Tweniy-fifth Separate Co. N. G. S. N. Y. was organized May 25, 1891 and 
has a present membership of about 100, uniformed, armed and equipped. 
Temporary armory quarters at Kibler block, S. Canal street. Captain, C. A. 
Sommer ; First Lieut., H. M. Fales ; Second Lieut., W. R. Gregory ; Surgeon, 
Dr. W. D. Murray ; Chaplain, Rev. J. H. Barnard. 

The Tonawanda Lumbermen'' s Association has been in active existence for 
several years, looking closely after the interests of the lumber trade both at 
home and abroad. The officers of the Association are A. C. Tuxbury, Pres. ; 
W. H. Cowper, Sec, and J. A. Fassett, Treas. 

A project is on foot to extend William street to Young street and pur- 
chase adjoining lands in rear of the Gardei Block for a market house site. 
It would be a good move and ought to pay. On the north side, the Vander- 
voort property, bordering on the alley, which extends from Geo. P. Smith's 
six-story block to Sweeney street, has been spoken of for market purposes, 
and would make a good place. 

The Tonawanda Electric Railway has asked for privilege to belt the city, 
and the Buffalo, Kenmore & Tonawanda Street Railway, a new corporation, 
is seeking for a franchise on Delaware and Young streets, with through con- 
nections to Buffalo. 



96 DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH 

Havugari Liederkanz singing society was organized some half dozen 
years ago, has about twenty-five active members and about fifty honorary, 
it meets Friday and Sundry afternoon. Rudolf Trosin, president ; Ernest 

Dr. A. Purdy has been assigned to the Asbury M. E. church, of Buffalo, 
and his place inthe First M. E. church here is filled by Rev. J. T. Walker, 
recently of Rochester, N. Y. 

Tonawanda Union, mentioned on page 38, has changed meeting nights 
to first and third Fridays. It was organized in 1887. 

North Tonawanda Church of Christ has recently secured the services of 
Frank O. Fannon, from Liberty, Mo , as pastor. 

OMISSIOIfS, ERRORS, ETC. 

This book requires in its pages more than a half million of separate 
pieces of metal, and if any one of these is misplaced or wrongly used it 
makes an error, so we ask our readers to deal gently with us if they should 
find a letter upside down or a word wrongly spelled. The compiler has used 
special care and perseverance to arrive at correct and complete facts, and 
every important manufacturing industry we believe has been considered. In 
some instances proprietors have been absent, reticent or other good reasons 
appear for making the mention brief, and in mercantile matters we have not 
even attempted to make it complete, but onlj' to note representative houses 
in the various lines. Our space is too limited to even give the names of all 
the restaurants, groceries, meat markets, etc., but for every practical pur- 
pose the work can be fully relied upon for its general and historical informa- 
tion, after making the following corrections : 

The last paragraph on page 40 should be omitted, and first three lines in 
Presbyterian church notes, page 41, are incorrect. The building now used 
as a barn by Dr. Murray was erected as a union church and used by all 
denominations, no Presbyterian society having been organized until 1852. 

Mile Line Reserve. — The state of New York owned, for military reserve, a 
strip extending one mile back from the Niagai-a River. The eai-ly settlers of 
this area consequently procured titles direct from the state, and not from the 
Holland Company as did others a mile away from the river. 

The North Presbyterian church, instead of First Presbyterian church of 
North Tonawanda, page 44. 

First Baptist church, page 43, cost over 118,000 and, with lot, is worth 
about $10,000. 

Among presidents of Tonawanda, page 21, read J. A. Bliss instead of J. S. 

In Union school, page 47, a bad cipher makes $4,000 look like $4.00. 

G. C. Christ was supervisor of Tonawanda town in 1886, page 18. 

Last paragraph page 59, read C. F. Goerss instead of G. F. 

In Y. M. C. A., page 45, read F. M. Hayes instead of T. M. 

St. Francis Branch C M. B. A. is No. 6 instead of 66. 

On page 78, read W, H. Sawyer, of Worcester, Mass., instead of Wooster. 

If you care nothing for the Historical and Descriptive Sketch of the 

Lumber City, this pamphlet is valuable for its general statistics and 

general information C07ide7ised on first S pages, and should be preserved 

for reference. 

The older this book becomes, the more valuable it will be 
for reference. Save it for future use. 






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TONAWANDA, N. Y. 

(ERIE COUNTY.) 



This place has thirteen miles of well laid sewers, eight and one-half 
miles of water mains, with elegant protection from the Holly system pres- 
sure and well organized fire companies, under John O'Day chief engineer. 
The water system will be greatly extended and improved the coming year. 
The street names are posted at every corner, and houses numbered pre- 
paratory to the free delivery mail system which has been promised. 

Tonawanda is located on the Niagara river at the mouth of Tona- 
■v\ anda creek, midway between Buffalo and Niagara Falls and with 

MANUFACTURING ADVANTAGES 

which must make a rapid development. It is ten miles from the Buffalo 
city hall, but less than three from the corporation limits of that city and 
with the contemplated enlargement of the boundaries of the great metrop- 
olis which is adding 15,000 to its population each year, this place will 
doubtless be a portion of Buffalo at no distant day. 

THE NIAGARA KIVEK AND ERIE CANAL 

* 

furnish first-class dockage and water transportation advantages, while the 
Erie and N. Y . Central & Hudson River railroads give the best of freight 
advantages and must conduce to a rapid development of manufactories. 
With thirty-two passenger trains each way, one electric road and another 
one building, the connections to Buffalo are so easily and quickly made as 
to make it practically one city, and Tonawanda has some excellent 

SITES M PALATIAL RESIDENCES 

as well as manufactories. Persons desiring to change location for either 
residence or business will find every materral fact set forth in the within 
pamphlet, without coloring or misrepresentation, and will be gladly 
accorded any additional information by addressing B. F. Betts, city engi- i 
neer; M. Scanlon, H. J. Koenig, John Kilputh, Jas. Mulhall, H. S. 
Wende, W. A. Gardei, E. H. Rogers, Wm. Schwartz, trustees; or 

A. H. CROWN, Pres. of the Board. 






A 






